Volume 10, Issue 4, (2022)
Yann Quesnelle, Suzanne Trancart, Hélène Bouras, Maryline Houssin
Volume 10 | Issue 4 | Pages: 235-241 | PDF
Abstract: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract. It can also be found in faeces leading to its detection in wastewater and potentially in sewage sludge. This one can be used in agriculture as a soil amendment. In France, the spreading of sludge is controlled in order to limit the dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms including SARS-CoV-2 since the pandemic. However, the control only concerns the analysis of bacteriophages. The present study was carried out to assess the presence of the virus in sewage sludge and compare with bacteriophages results. It describes the validation of a method for the isolation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for detection by RT-PCR, using a surrogate virus. Two virus concentration methods and three nucleic acid extraction methods were compared. After validation, the most efficient method was applied to field samples (n=34) from Normand sewage treatment plants during the pandemic. Then, the results were compared with bacteriophage loads. According to our results, PEG precipitation followed by a nucleic acid extraction based on cleared lysate with phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol, then concentrated and purified on anion-exchange column was selected. This process resulted in a yield of 39.6±37.3%. The field study confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in both primary and hygienized sludges. The comparative analysis suggested that the study of the effectiveness of sanitation on bacteriophages does not appear representative of that on SARS-CoV-2. In addition to the bacteriophages test, a direct search for the SARS-CoV-2 is recommended to evaluate the sanitation of sludge.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Sewage sludge, Viral concentration, RNA isolation
Self-Power UVC-LED Bacteria Reduction Base on Piezoelectric Nano Generator (PENG)
Tohid Irani
Volume 10 | Issue 4 | Pages: 242-250 | PDF
Abstract: Environmental pollution as an early common reason for natural resources' unsafety, directly menaces human life hygienic indexes. Microbial pollution in water resources, food materials, and common surfaces has produced new problems with infected contacts in daily life activities. Purgation costs and traditional cleaning methods are inadequate and the pollution rate is ascending. Therefore interdisciplinary methods are required to rectify environmental pollution problems smartly while costs and side effects are defined in a sustainability context. The study was conducted to evaluate pulsed mood irradiation operation with UVC LED and a self-power system based on a Piezoelectric Nano Generator (PENG). The study tries to demonstrate the new approach compatibility in an interdisciplinary experiment designed for cleaning environmental pollution. Self-power system in the study is based on produced and tested PENG system that was designed with a proper circuit for a UVC LED power supply. Also, pulsed simulation with a pneumatic cylinder is used to create the required kinetic. Four UVC LEDs were used to make irradiation on diluted samples in the pour plate method. The ritual is an experiment designed in the Design of experiments (DOE) process for an optimized number of tests. The statistical analysis exerted to show impressive elements correlation with disinfection rate. Furthermore, continued irradiation mood was designed for results validation. The exposed samples were analyzed with image processing in python within the OpenCV library to avoid vision errors with edge detection technique. The results showed pulsed base UVC LED with a self-power system reaches high efficiency of disinfection while energy consumption and costs decreased. Most of the experiment cases successfully achieved full disinfection (LOG=6) and in some cases meaningful (LOG<6) disinfection was achieved. The study verified the linear and direct relation of irradiation distance, time, and frequency which cause high-efficiency operation of self-power pulsed irradiation system.
Keywords: Self Power Irradiation, UVC LED, PENG
Studies on the Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Load in Water and Sediment from Selected Surface Water of the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Green, M.C., Osuala, F.O.U., Okechukwu, R.I., and Abara, P.N
Volume 10 | Issue 4 | Pages: 251-256 | PDF
Abstract: Environmental pollution by toxic heavy metals does not only elicit concern in metropolitan cities but also in remote and rural communities where anthropogenic activities are taking place. The study was carried out to assess physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels in water and sediment from selected surface water of the Niger Delta. Water and sediment samples were collected from 3 (three) chosen points in each River and were analyzed for physicochemical properties and heavy metal levels of heavy metals using standard analytical methods. The results obtained revealed marked variations and non-uniform distribution of all the physicochemical parameters across the Rivers studied with values that fall below the WHO standard limit for drinking water. Analysis of variance revealed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the parameters based on locations. The concentration of heavy metals in water and sediment around the vicinity of the Rivers revealed a spatial and non-uniform distribution in the concentration of the selected heavy metals in all the locations studied. The concentration of heavy metal determined in water and sediment was generally high in the sampled areas than in the control. Correlated heavy metal in water and sediment connotes that the metals may have similar behavior and implies they could have a common origin. Further study on the actual levels of potential risks to consumers in the vicinity of these Rivers is recommended.
Keywords: Heavy metal, Water, Sediment, Surface water, Niger Delta
Physicochemical Profile and Evaluation of Microbial Load in Soil Around Open Waste Dumpsites in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
Iheanacho, J.N., Bala, N.M., Idowu, S.A. Ejike-Okongwu, C., Amaechi, A.A
Volume 10 | Issue 4 | Pages: 257-263 | PDF
Abstract: The indiscriminate dumping of solid waste and the lack of proper waste management systems have been an issue threatening environmental and health conditions in most developing countries. This study assessed the physicochemical parameters and microbial load of selected open dumpsite soils in Owerri Imo State. The physicochemical and microbiological qualities were determined using established methods. Results obtained showed that EC values ranged from 103.10±5.48 to 128.88±19.09 μS/cm. The pH value ranged from 5.45±2.10 to 6.78±1.00. At Nekede dumpsite, the phosphate value varied from 33.10±11.01 - 46.50±6.09 mg/kg, Nitrate, 8.30±4.01-10.70±5.09 mg/kg and Sulphate, 12.10±6.03 - 20.70±13.10 mg/kg, compared to Chukwuma Nwaoha dump site with Phosphate 44.00±11.7- 90.01±9.44 mg/kg, Nitrate, 10.80±5.50 - 20.00±8.03c mg/kg and Sulphate, 17.00±5.81 - 40.55±10.33 mg/kg. In both dumpsites, the Phosphate, Nitrate, and Sulphate levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the soils from the different sampled locations compared to the control sites. The exchangeable cations: calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium across the sample areas also varied from 35.160±11.2 - 37.620±11.9 mg/kg; 8.720±3.91- 12.770±8.22 mg/kg; 10.340±5.01- 17.860±6.10 mg/kg and 0.660±0.01- 1.940±0.88mg/kg for Nekede while Chukwuma Nwaoha recorded 40.90±17.08- 44.560±19.02 mg/kg; 10.500±5.02- 13.018±6.91 mg/kg; 12.140±4.99- 16.040±3.09 mg/kg and 32.600±11.59- 43.640±14.80mg/kg respectively. The most dominant microbial isolate was Staphyloccocus sp., (14%) while the least isolate was Acinetobacter sp. (3%). For the THB and THF, the average was 3.77±1.48 and 2.61±2.06; 4.97±2.174 and 2.13±0.914 CFU/mL for Nekede Area. The THB and THF average value for Chukwuma Nwaoha Area was 3.01±1.17 and 3.85±2.81; 2.55±1.814 and 1.79±1.884 CFU/mL respectively. The presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms identified in the dumpsite soils is a major source of public health risk. The study underscores the need for proper waste management systems to forestall environmental pollution.
Keywords: Dumpsites, Physicochemical properties, Microbial load, Imo State
Seasonal Variation of Heavy Metals in Sediments, Water, Shiny Nose Fish, Shrimp, and Periwinkle in Esuk Ekpo Eyo Beach, Akpabuyo, South-East Nigeria
Daniel C. Ekpechi , Bassey S. Okori
Volume 10 | Issue 4 | Pages: 264-283 | PDF
Abstract:
The
seasonal variations of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe, Hg, and Zn) in
sediments, water samples, and shiny nose fish (Polydactylus quadrifilis), shrimp
(Parapenaeopsis atlantica) and periwinkle (Tympanostonus fuscatus) of Esuk Ekpo
Eyo Beach, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, South East Nigeria were investigated
using AAS spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations (mg/l) of Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd,
Fe, and Ni in sediments for the dry and wet seasons were 1.004
0.658
mg/l, and 0.5460.406
mg/l for Cr, 0.462000.071
mg/l and 0.0200.010
mg/l for Cu, 0.3440.01594
mg/l and 0.02850.0062
mg/l for Pb, 0.019170.01693
mg/l and 0.021330.01089
mg/l for Cd, 0.17520.0112mg/l
and 0.15030.1216mg/l
for Ni, 64.003.964
mg/l and 39.914.187
mg/l for Fe. The mean concentrations (mg/l) of Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn, and Hg in
water samples during dry and wet seasons were 0.12380.0866
mg/l and 0.197660.1644
mg/l for Cr, 0.028660.0060
mg/l and 0.03820.0265
mg/l for Cu, 0.030830.01721
mg/l and 0.036830.0225
mg/l for Pb, 0.037160.0301
and 0.0421660.01701
mg/l for Cd, 4.35252.27mg/l
and 7.2212.49
mg/l for Fe, 0.05080.0214
mg/l and 0.0711660.00702mg/l
for Zn, 0.0140.0010
mg/l and 0.024000.0077
mg/l for Hg. The concentrations (mg/l) for Cr in shiny nose fish, Fe in shrimp,
and Cd in periwinkle for the dry and wet seasons were 0.0190.007
mg/l and 0.036 0.001
mg/l for Cr, 0.3270.001
mg/l and 0.7400.001
mg/l for Fe, 0.0210.007
and 0.0090.004
for Cd in periwinkle. The estimated daily intake of these metals in fish,
shrimp, and periwinkle analyzed using the estimated daily intake formula were
all below the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization
Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) recommended daily intake limits.
Physicochemical analysis was carried out to determine the values of pH, TOC,
TOM, silt, clay, and sand for sediments, also pH, turbidity, TDS, TSS, EC, and
salinity for water samples. The pollution load index calculated for sediment
showed moderately severe enrichment for the dry season and minor enrichment for
the wet season while the modified degree of contamination of the
geo-accumulation index in the sediments was less than 1.5, hence no
contamination. The results of Pearson’s correlation matrix showed that
significant correlations were observed among variables at 0.05 levels.
Keywords: Seasonal Variation, Heavy Metals, Shrimp, Periwinkle, Pollution Load Index
Adsorption of Petroleum Hydrocarbons from Crude Oil Polluted Soil Using Agro-waste
Joseph, E.E., Azorji, J.N., Iheanacho, J. C. Nwachukwu, C.U., Iheagwam, K.S. & Okoli, C.J.
Volume 10 | Issue 4 | Pages: 284-289 | PDF
Abstract: This study was carried out to ascertain the Adsorption of heavy metals from crude oil-polluted soil using agro-waste. Samples of garden soil with no history of crude oil pollution were spiked with 100mL of Bonny light crude oil and left for two weeks to simulate the condition of a major spill before adding different weights of palm bunch ash (0, P+NOPBA, 50g, 100g, and 150g). Preliminary results revealed alteration of chemical properties of soils, elevated heavy metals levels, and TPH content one month after spiking. Metal content increased significantly from ND (not detected) to Cr (1.41 mg/kg), Pb (1.18 mg/kg), Cd (0.30 mg/kg), and As (1.93 mg/kg) respectively. The initial TPH content was 176.81 mg/kg whereas, one month after spiking with crude oil, the value increased to 1,535.5 mg/kg indicating that the soil sample had undergone alteration concerning TPH. There was a dose-dependent decrease in TPH and heavy metal content of the crude oil-polluted soils with time. Net reductions of total petroleum hydrocarbon concerning treatment levels at the end of the experiment were P+US 1,409 (43.7%), P+50 g 1,320 (72.7%), P+ 100g 1,122 (87.9 %), P+150g 1,043 (98.9%). Overall, the net reduction in heavy metals and TPH was very low in the soil left under natural attenuation than in treated soils. Net reduction of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, and As) was as follows: P+US (23.7%), (37.8%), (26.9%),(31.8%), P+50 g (85.7%), (88.4%), (86.1%), (77.3%), P+100g (93.9%), (94.6%), (93.5%), (89.1%) and P+150g (98.9%), (99.9%), (98.7%), (93.7%). This study has established a marked degradation of the heavy metal and hydrocarbon contents of soil which indicated that agro-waste could be used for the remediation of crude oil-polluted soil. It is recommended that agro-waste be replaced with conventional fertilizer in the restoration of crudely contaminated soil.
Keywords: Adsorption, Crude oil, Heavy metals, Agrowaste, Imo State
Investigation of Noise Pollution in One of the Hospitals Covered in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
Ebrahim Norouzi , Somayeh Farhang Dehghan, Majid Baiyatian, Amir Zarei, Esmaeil Ghahramani, Ayub Mahmodi, Sirvan Zarei
Volume 10 | Issue 4 | Pages: 290-294 | PDF
Abstract: Noise pollution in different hospitals parts, as the most common source of environmental stress, has destructive psychological and physiological effects on patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the extent of noise pollution in one of the hospitals under the auspices of the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. this study was descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional with a sound the equivalent of 15 min with minimum and maximum sound levels in 2019 in different wards of the Hospital and its surroundings in three shifts in the morning, afternoon, a night using The TES-1351B sound meter was performed. Data were also analyzed using SPSS22 using statistical tests. The maximum mean sound level interval in the morning of the average and closed days reported was 67.85 in the emergency department and 62.48 dB in the hospital grounds, respectively. This amount measured in the afternoon of the average days related to the specialized clinic section of the hospital, 69.34 decibels, and on holidays, it was estimated at 72.46 decibels in the hospital compound, and the Leq rate in the night shift measured for average and closed days, respectively. The emergency room was 59.95 decibels, and the hospital grounds were 78.64 decibels. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the values of sound level measurement on average days and holidays and measurement times (morning, evening, and night) and diagnostic, administrative, and therapeutic sections(P<0.05). In conclusion, it was found that hospitals had a high level of noise pollution and in most cases, the values were higher than the standards of the WHO.
Keywords: Noise Pollution, Sound Pressure Level, Hospital, Kurdistan
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