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Journal of Environment Pollution and Human Health
Number of Followers: 9

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 2334-3397 - ISSN (Online) 2334-3494
Published by Science and Education Publishing

[75 journals]

Evaluation of Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function in Apparently Healthy
Wood Dust Exposed Workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Authors: Datonye Dennis Alasia; Pedro Chimezie Emem-Chioma
  Pages: 43 - 48
  Abstract: Background: The burden of non-communicable respiratory diseases is rising globally, with environmental and occupational pollutants playing a significant role. It is known that workers exposed to wood dust are at risk of respiratory disease and lung function impairment. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters in sawmill woodworkers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative descriptive study of sawmill workers from 3 sites in Port Harcourt, selected by multistage and stratified sampling compared to controls in non-risk occupations was done. Demographic and anthropometric parameters were assessed in addition to respiratory symptoms evaluation and spirometry testing of study subjects. Subjects with a history of smoking, asthma, pneumonia and already established respiratory diseases were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 23. Results: Respiratory symptoms were significantly more prevalent in the 105 sawmill workers compared to 60 controls, with a significant risk and odds ratio. The most prevalent symptoms in subjects were Catarrh 45.7%, Chest Pain 39.0%, Cough 31.4%, Breathlessness 28.6%, Wheezing 25.7%, Sputum Production 23.8% and Fast Breathing 22.9%. The FEV1 (L) and FEF25-75% (L) were significantly lower in sawmill workers compared to controls with values of 2.70±0.77 vs 3.11±0.44, p=0.000 and 4.18±0.87 vs. 5.87±1.34, p=0.000 respectively. Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms and reduction in FEV1 are common among sawmill workers in Port Harcourt Nigeria. In an environment with significant environmental air pollution from soot, it is important for woodworkers at risk of occupational lung disease in Port Harcourt, to improve personal protective device use while regulatory authorities implement preventive occupational health.
  PubDate: 2020-04-03
  DOI: 10.12691/jephh-8-2-1
  Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2020)
Spatial Variation of Rainwater Quality Parameters at Khulna City of
Bangladesh
- Authors: A. H. M. Shofiul Islam Molla Jamal; Shamim Ahmed, Shakila Akter, Aynun Nahar, Rokaia Sultana, Md. Ripaj Uddin, Tajnin jahan, Shahnaz Sultana, Mehedi Hasan
  Pages: 49 - 54
  Abstract: In the present study, rainwater samples were collected from the Khulna city of Bangladesh during pre-monsoon season (March-May) and monsoon season (June-October) with standard rainwater collection instruments in the year 2017 to 2019 to evaluate their physical and chemical quality parameters properties. The following water quality parameters were determined: pH, EC, TDS, DO, alkalinity, acidity, hardness, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, NO32-, Cl- and heavy metals. This study revealed that rain water quality was within the permissible drinking water standards limits prescribed by Environment Conservation Rule (ECR, 1997) of Bangladesh. Metal ions (As, Cd, Cr, Pd and Hg) were found in below the detection limit (BDL) of AAS for these collected rainwater samples. Rainwater quality during monsoon season was better than that of pre-monsoon season in Khulna city due to particle of dusts in the air. Atmospheric suspended particulate matter (SPM) including PM10 might be contributed some parameters; EC TSD, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, NO32 and pH may be slightly changed due to present gaseous components (CO2, SO2 and NO2). If rainwater is properly harvested that will be a safe, cost effective and alternative to provide an access to safe drinking water in the saline coastal region of Khulna area.
  PubDate: 2020-05-14
  DOI: 10.12691/jephh-8-2-2
  Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2020)
COVID-19 Induced Lockdown Consequences on Air Quality and Economy - A Case
Study of Bangladesh
- Authors: Sajal Roy; Nasrin Chowdhury, Mohammad Mamun Morshed Bhuyan
  Pages: 55 - 68
  Abstract: The present study involves the investigation of air quality of Dhaka city, Bangladesh, before and during the periods of lockdown imposed to reduce the spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and comparison of data in corresponding periods of two previous years. Further, the consequences of COVID-19 in terms of economic disruptions were also studied. The accelerated and vast diffusion of COVID-19 in Dhaka has a high association with air pollution compared to the other cities of Bangladesh. Air pollution can be considered as an important determinant in the COVID-19 crisis. It was found that the mean air quality index (AQI) in Dhaka before lockdown in March in 2020 was found to be 4.82% and 5.30% lower compared to the corresponding period in 2018 and 2019, respectively. On the other hand, the average AQI during the lockdown in 2020 was found to be 9.57% and 16.74% lower respectively compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. A significant negative correlation was found between AQI and rainfall (p
  PubDate: 2020-06-02
  DOI: 10.12691/jephh-8-2-3
  Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2020)
Hydrogeochemical and Statistical Characterization of Groundwater in the
Lakes Region (Central Côte d’Ivoire)
- Authors: SORO Gbombele; COULIBALY Adama, TRAORE Abou, ADJIRI Oi. Adjiri, N’guessan Marie-Rosine FOSSOU, SORO Tanina Drissa, OGA Yeï Marie Solange, SORO Nagnin
  Pages: 69 - 78
  Abstract: Rural inhabitants depend on groundwater for their drinking water in the Lakes region of central Côte d’Ivoire. The aim of this study is to identify the factors responsible of the water mineralisation and the sources of major ions in groundwater within the area. 123 groundwater samples were collected and analysed for various physico-chemical parameters. Multivariate statistical techniques including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied on the dataset to evaluate the geochemical processes that control the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater. Ca-HCO3 and Mg-Ca-HCO3 hydrochemical facies predominate the groundwater samples. The first 4 factors explain 79.139% of the total variance, their loading allowing the interpretation of hydrogeochemical processes in the area. The sources of ions in the groundwater are due to two main factors: natural mineralisation and anthropogenic activities. The silicates mineral weathering such as acid hydrolysis of silicates provide the major part of the ions in groundwater such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3-. The concentrations of NO-3 and Cl- in groundwater were due to anthropogenic activities such as farming. Reduction-oxidation process produced Mn and Fe. The results of this study show the usefulness of multivariate statistical techniques in hydrochemical studies.
  PubDate: 2020-06-17
  DOI: 10.12691/jephh-8-2-4
  Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2020)
Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Workshops and Laboratories in Kenyan
Universities
- Authors: Daniel Omondi Onyango; Robert Kinyua, Abel Nyakundi Mayaka, Christopher Kanali
  Pages: 79 - 87
  Abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss in workplaces is a challenge, which may lead to accidents and interference with communication. In order to protect workers and students exposed in engineering workshops and laboratories, it is important to determine the magnitude and understand causative factors to adequately address the problem. The present study aimed at identifying predisposing factors that lead to noise-induced hearing loss in public universities in Kenya. The study was conducted in 10 technical universities, identified through purposive non-probability quarter sampling from a population of 49. Noise profiling was used to identify and characterize sources and types. An integrating sound level meter was used to record the noise levels for the different clusters and results compared with statutory requirements. Existing controls for noise pollution were also assessed. The results show that a large proportion (84.1%) of the noise types identified was continuous. The continuous noise emanated mainly from hand grinding (18%) and internal combustions engines (25%) with resultant values being above the statutory upper action limit of 85 dBA. The sources of impulsive noise were mainly intermittent actions of electric-powered (47.6%) and manually-operated (52.4%) tools. Impulsive noise levels were found to be below the maximum permissible exposure limit of 140 dBA. Although one of the universities had a safety and health committee and a risk management department, hearing protection was not used by those exposed. Noise-induced hearing loss in workshops and laboratories in public universities in Kenya is likely to occur from continuous noise exposure since there are inadequate control measures taken.
  PubDate: 2020-07-07
  DOI: 10.12691/jephh-8-2-5
  Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2020)
Assessment of Waste Disposal and Collection Systems of Urban Slum
Residents in Ibadan Metropolis, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Authors: Famewo Ayomide; Osunwale Olawale
  Pages: 88 - 97
  Abstract: Waste management has received global attention both in academic discourse and in practice. However, with much emphasis on urban centers, but much more regrettably, with inadequate attention to waste management of urban slum residents. This observed gap has created paucity of data for waste policy makers and researchers, a situation responsible for the failure municipal authorities to effectively and efficiently manage the waste problems of slum dwellers. Hence, this study strives to assess waste collection and disposal systems of slums residents in Ibadan city. Purposive, multi-stage and random sampling techniques were used for the study. Purposive sampling was used in selecting Ibadan North among the six urban local government areas in the metropolis. Multi-stage sampling was used in identifying four wards with relatively homogenous slums in the core areas of the Local government. Three slum localities were randomly selected across the four identified wards. The 1991 census figure for the sampled localities was projected to 2010 at 3.2% growth rate adopted for urban centers, which amounted to 132,639. Using an average household size of six for high residential areas, the estimated housing stock in these areas was 22,106. About 1.3% of the estimated housing stock in these areas was used as the sample size, this give a sample size of 300. Thus, 300 household heads were randomly surveyed across the selected slum areas. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and Pearson Product moment correlation) were employed for the analysis. The study revealed that urban slums dwellers in Ibadan city were mainly low-income earners, as two-thirds (69.3%) respondents earn below N10, 000 ($27.78). A one way ANOVA was used in testing for variation in waste disposal methods adopted by slum dwellers across the selected areas. The results revealed that burning was slightly significantly varied across selected slums (F [1,298] = 2.99, p= 0.09); while dumping in rivers with (F [1,298] =0.01, p= 0.92) and use of designated bins (F [1,298] = 0.14, p= 0.70) respectively do not significantly vary across the selected slum areas. The study posited that urban environmental problems and inadequate infrastructural development, especially of waste disposal facilities and collection systems are the bane of waste management in urban slums. The study therefore concludes that upgrading and formalization of slums and squatter settlement coupled with provision of infrastructural facilities and public enlightenment and development control are measures needed to effectively tackle waste collection and disposal systems in developing countries.
  PubDate: 2020-07-17
  DOI: 10.12691/jephh-8-2-6
  Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2020)
Heavy Metals Geochemistry and Pollution Status of Coastal Sediments in
Ayetoro Area, Southwestern Nigeria
- Authors: Olusiji Samuel Ayodele; Idowu Victor Ayodeji
  Pages: 98 - 110
  Abstract: Coastal sediments from Ayetoro, South-western Nigeria were systematically sampled and analysed for their heavy metals concentration. Fifteen costal sediment samples were taken using a Vanveen grab at sampling thickness and density of 10cm and 100 m respectively, while the depth of sampling was determined using single point Echo sounder. The heavy metals analysed were Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) with Model 210 VGP Buck Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that the respective locations are contaminated with metals from both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. SS15 (Eyin-more) is shown to be very strongly polluted with Cd and Pb whereas, PLI values of 1.06, 1.10 and 2,76 indicates that SS1, SS6 and SS16 have very high level of metal toxicity while other locations remain unpolluted. The average concentration of the heavy metals range from Fe with the highest concentration (15313.05 - 38399.11) mg/kg, followed by Pb (17.94-165.57) mg/kg; Zn (28.81-125.59) mg/kg; Cu (16.73-112.59) mg/kg, Cd (0.05-22.75) mg/kg and Ni (3.75-17.96) mg/kg with the lowest concentration. The average Enrichment Factor values showed that Cd and Pb has significant enrichment (7.67 and 5.71), followed by Cu, Ni, Zn having deficiency to minimal enrichment (1.31, 0.17, 1.02) whereas Cd and Pb is significantly enriched in all locations. This could be as a result of oil pollution from exploration and exploitation activities, improper waste disposal and industrial effluents which can result to brain damage, increasing the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of living organisms in the sea, destruction of the ecosystem and their food chain and web relationships, infant mortality as well as pollution of domestic and portable water sources. The dominance of Fe-Zn-Pb-Ni metal associations signified zinc ores or massive sulphide mineralization in the studied area. The coastal town of Ayetoro should be given more attention in terms of Environmental Safety Enforcement by the government.
  PubDate: 2020-09-03
  DOI: 10.12691/jephh-8-2-7
  Issue No: Vol. 8, No. 2 (2020)