Protecting Drinking Water Sources and Public Health

Trace organic compounds (TOrCs) have been detected in drinking water sources for several years, raising concerns due to their potential risks to public health.

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Parasitic Contamination of Local Drinking Water Sources in Aba Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science [SQUJS] ◽

10.53539/squjs.vol26iss1pp1-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Blessing U. Ejike ◽

Carmelita C. Ohaeri ◽

Ebube C. Amaechi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Entamoeba Histolytica ◽

Water Samples ◽

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Stream Water ◽

Water Sources ◽

Health Concern ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Drinking Water Sources

Water-borne parasitic infections have become a source of concern in recent times due to the contamination of various water sources. A survey on the parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis was carried out between August and October 2018. This was done to evaluate the extent of contamination of these water sources and their public health implications. A total number of eighty (80) water samples were investigated from five (5) major water sources within the study area using the standard sedimentation method and examined for parasite cysts, eggs and larvae. Physical/macroscopic examination was done to determine the pH, colour, odour, temperature and presence/absence of particles. Among the water sources analyzed, stream water samples had the highest rate of parasite contamination 27 (44.3%) followed by river water 14 (22.9%) while the least contaminated was borehole 7 (11.5%). Rainwater was found free from parasitic infestation. The differences in the level of contamination among the water sources analyzed were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Five parasites Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides of Entamoeba coli and Hookworm were observed. Each of the sample sources except rainwater harbored at least one of these. Among these parasites, Giardia lamblia had the highest rate occurrence of 15 (24.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 14 (22.9%) and the least frequently occurring parasite was hookworm 8 (13.1%). Most of the identified water sources are utilized by the populace who lack access to potable water. The detection of protozoan and helminthic parasites in drinking water sources is a serious public health concern, hence the proper implementation of a supply of safe drinking water is vital.

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Public Health Implication of Drinking Water Sources Contaminated with Giardia and Cryptosporidium in South Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-31975/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mengistu Damitie ◽

Dante Santiago ◽

Luc Leyns ◽

Seid Tiku Mereta ◽

Zeleke Mekonnen

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Water Sources ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment ◽

Public Health Implication ◽

The Public ◽

Drinking Water Sources ◽

Mean Concentration

Abstract Background: The concept of health is largely tied up with the quality of the ambient environment of human. There is a need to minimize the risks of environment to public health and comply with microbial contamination legislation stipulated by respective regulatory bodies. Though water borne protozoa are leading causes of diseases in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, less information is available about drinking water quality and its implication to the public. The present study aimed at characterizing the risks of Giardia and Cryptosporidium from water sources in southern Ethiopia.Methods: Twenty-one drinking water samples (10L per source) were collected from five different types of water sources. Sample analysis was performed using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with fluorescein isothiocyanate–monoclonal antibodies and nested PCR with tpi, SSU-rRNA and gp60 loci of the parasites. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rho correlation and independent-samples nonparametric test.The risk was characterized using quantitative microbial risk assessment. Results: The IFA and genotyping assays overall showed that Giardia was detected in 81% (17/21) of the samples with a mean concentration of 64.6 cysts.10 L-1 and Cryptosporidium in 71% (15/21) with a mean concentration of 62.8 oocysts.10 L-1. Out of the 17 Giardia positive water sources, Giardia duodenalis (assemblage B) was detected in 29.4%, assemblage A in 17.6% and assemblages A+B in 52.9% of the sources. Likewise, Cryptosporidium genotype was detected in 57.1% (12/21) of the sources; C. parvum in 38.1% (8/21) and C. hominis in 14.3% (3/21) of the sources. The average probability of illness from the water sources was 0.06 for Giardia and 0.22 for Cryptosporidium.Conclusions: The present finding highlights the significance of water for transmission of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in southern Ethiopia. Genotypes detected in the water sources indicate that multiple sources likely contaminated the drinking water sources. The health risks that are inferred from the water sources to the public are significantly higher than most other reported findings. This study recommends the need of regular follow-up, improvement in water treatment facilities and setting appropriate legislation in areas where cycles of parasitic infection is linked to water sources.

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