scholarly journals Cladophora sp. Biosorption of Metal-contaminated Water

2018 ◽  
pp. 17-31
Author(s):  
Rosamond R.M.S. Tshumah-Mutingwende ◽  
Fumitake Takahashi ◽  
Ewa Cukrowska ◽  
Julien Lusilao-Makiese
Keyword(s):  
Mercury Concentration ◽  
Batch Reactor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
World Health ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Component Solution ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Competing Cations ◽  
Health Organization

Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities employing the mercury amal-gamationtechnique have resulted in a significant drop in the quality of water from Ngwabalozi River, Zimbabwe. Mercury levels as high as 0.31 mg L-1have been reported in its waters and the low river pH (pH 3) favors proliferation of microorganisms responsible for methylmercury (a potent neurotoxin) formation. Thus, removal of mercury from contaminated systems is a priority. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a low-cost batch reactor for the removal of mercury from mercury contaminated acidic waters tomeet the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 0.006 mg L-1using Cladophorasp. algae. Optimum reactor parameters were deter-mined by studying the effect of contact time, pH, initial mercury concentration and the presence of competing cations on the adsorption of mercury by Cladophorasp. The mass of algae required in a 1000 Lbatch reactor was then determined at the optimum adsorption conditions for the single and multi-component solution systems. A rapid uptake of mercury by Cladophorasp. algae was displayed. More than 99% of the mercury in solution was removed within the first five minutes of contact and equilibrium was attained after ten minutes. High adsorption capacities (up to 805 mg kg-1at pH 3) were obtained at the optimum mercury concentration of 1.0 mg L-1. Competitive adsorption studies showed that the selectivity of cations by Cladophora sp. was in thefollowing order: Hg2+˃ Fe2+˃ Cu2+˃ Zn2+˃ Co2+. Based on the optimized reactor conditions, nearly 4.8 kg of Cladophorasp. per 1000 Lbatch is required to treat the water in Ngwabalozi River for a mercury only solution. However, for a multi-component system, the mass of Cladophorasp. required was more than triple (17.1 kg) the mass required in a single component solution.

scholarly journals IoT and Deep Learning Based Approach for Rapid Screening and Face Mask Detection for Infection Spread Control of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3495
Author(s):  
Shabir Hussain ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Muhammad Ayoub ◽  
Akmal Khan ◽  
Rukhshanda Rehman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Screening System ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
The Face ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Vaccine Distribution

The spread of COVID-19 has been taken on pandemic magnitudes and has already spread over 200 countries in a few months. In this time of emergency of COVID-19, especially when there is still a need to follow the precautions and developed vaccines are not available to all the developing countries in the first phase of vaccine distribution, the virus is spreading rapidly through direct and indirect contacts. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the standard recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the importance of face masks for protection from the virus. The excessive use of manual disinfection systems has also become a source of infection. That is why this research aims to design and develop a low-cost, rapid, scalable, and effective virus spread control and screening system to minimize the chances and risk of spread of COVID-19. We proposed an IoT-based Smart Screening and Disinfection Walkthrough Gate (SSDWG) for all public places entrance. The SSDWG is designed to do rapid screening, including temperature measuring using a contact-free sensor and storing the record of the suspected individual for further control and monitoring. Our proposed IoT-based screening system also implemented real-time deep learning models for face mask detection and classification. This module classified individuals who wear the face mask properly, improperly, and without a face mask using VGG-16, MobileNetV2, Inception v3, ResNet-50, and CNN using a transfer learning approach. We achieved the highest accuracy of 99.81% while using VGG-16 and the second highest accuracy of 99.6% using MobileNetV2 in the mask detection and classification module. We also implemented classification to classify the types of face masks worn by the individuals, either N-95 or surgical masks. We also compared the results of our proposed system with state-of-the-art methods, and we highly suggested that our system could be used to prevent the spread of local transmission and reduce the chances of human carriers of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Geographic Inequalities in Accessing Improved Water and Sanitation Facilities in Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Wang ◽  
Jing Pan ◽  
Sanni Yaya ◽  
Ram Bilash Yadav ◽  
Dechao Yao
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Wash Water ◽  
World Health ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Water And Sanitation ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Health Organization

In this study, we aimed to assess the geographic inequalities in access to improved water and sanitation facilities among Nepalese households. We conducted this study based on cross-sectional data obtained from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys. The quality of water sources and sanitation were defined by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The geographic categories used in the analyses included developmental region, ecological zone, and urbanicity. Percentages of households having access to improved toilet (5.6% in 1996 vs. 40.5% in 2016) and water (19.3% in 1996 vs. 27% in 2016) facilities has been increasing steadily since 1996 with a great proportion of the households still lacking access to these services. The number of households sharing the same toilet and traveling time to reach water sources have also decreased at the same time. Households in Far Western and Mountains had the lowest odds of having access to improved toilet and water facilities. Noticeable progress has been achieved in improving WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) coverage at national level, however, it is uneven across developmental and ecological zones. Households in the Far Western and Mountain regions appeared to be the most geographically disadvantaged in terms of having access to improved water and sanitation facilities.

scholarly journals The Comparison of Electrodialysis and Nanofiltration in Nitrate Removal from Groundwater

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30
Author(s):  
J Touir ◽  
S Kitanou ◽  
M Zait ◽  
S Belhamidi ◽  
M Belfaquir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Produced Water ◽  
Nitrate Removal ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Major Interest ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Agricultural Regions

Nitrate groundwater contamination is of major interest all over the world. This problem arises in agricultural regions across Morocco. An excess amount of nitrate causes a serious problem in urban water networks and human health. Because of these health risks, considerable attention has been paid to find effective treatment processes to reduce nitrate concentrations to safe levels. The World Health Organization has set an acceptable level for nitrate in drinking water at 50 mg/L. The aim of this study is to reduce the nitrate concentration from groundwater using two membrane processes: Electrodialysis (ED) and Nanofiltration (NF). Efficiencies of these two technologies are compared in respect to nitrate ions removal, cost process and final quality of water. The results of technologies show that, for electrodialysis standards level can be achieved for a demineralization rate of 15% and the physico-chemical quality of the produced water is satisfactory. For nanofiltration we obtain a nitrate removal of 90% but the produced water is very de-mineralized and must be remineralized.

Development of a polystyrene latex-based reagent for rheumatoid factor detection

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-243
Author(s):  
Grisel Marrero ◽  
Lilian P. Delgado ◽  
Humberto Caroll ◽  
Neise Ortiz ◽  
Alexis Musacchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Factor ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Total Surface Area ◽  
Polystyrene Latex ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Sera ◽  
Reference Preparation ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Blood Fraction

Abstract A rapid, specific and sensible polystyrene latex-based reagent has been developed to detect rheumatoid factor (RF) in human sera. Detection of RF is one of the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. RF includes immunoglobulins IgG, IgM or IgA targeting human-IgG Fc region, found in sera of 70–90% of patients with RA. Spherical, clean polystyrene particles of 480±80 nm with a Z-potential of -28 mV were synthesized. Purified gamma-globulin human blood fraction, used as IgG source, was adsorbed on particles in glycine-buffered saline with a fivefold excess of the immunoglobulins needed to saturate the calculated total surface area of the particles. The reagent was calibrated against the World Health Organization international serum reference preparation and tested with commercial positive and negative RF controls. Reactivity of the developed diagnostic reagent with human sera, either positive or negative for RF, was evaluated. The sera were tested both intact and following complement inactivation. When complement-inactivated sera were used, our reagent showed 100% coincidence of results with a commercial diagnostic kit of specificity of 80% and sensibility of 93%. The in-house reagent developed in the present work is easy to prepare and at relatively low cost, making it ideal for RF detection in low-income settings.

scholarly journals Adaptation and validation for Colombia of the WHO safe childbirth checklist

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-212
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Amaya Arias ◽  
Óscar Zuluaga ◽  
Douglas Idárraga ◽  
Javier Hernando Eslava Schmalbach
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Neonatal Care ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Safe Childbirth Checklist ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Safe Childbirth

Introduction: Most maternal deaths that occur in developing countries are considered unfair and can be avoided. In 2008, The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a checklist for childbirth care, in order to assess whether a simple, low-cost intervention had an impact on maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the content of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) for its use in Colombia Methods: The checklist was translated and adapted to the Colombian context. It was subsequently validated by a panel of experts composed of 17 health workers with experience in maternal and neonatal care and safety. Reliability among judges was estimated (Rwg) and items were modified or added to each section of the list according to the results. Results: Modifications were made to 28 items, while 19 new items were added, and none was removed. The most important modifications were made to the management guidelines included in each item, and the items added refer to risks inherent to our environment. Conclusion: The Colombian version of the SCC will be a useful tool to improve maternal and neonatal care and thereby contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in our country.

Development of improved low-cost ceramic water filters for viral removal in the Haitian context

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Guerrero-Latorre ◽  
M. Rusiñol ◽  
A. Hundesa ◽  
M. Garcia-Valles ◽  
S. Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Virus Removal ◽  
Ceramic Water Filters ◽  
Removal Efficiencies ◽  
Reductive Atmosphere ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Water Filters

Household-based water treatment (HWT) is increasingly being promoted to improve water quality and, therefore, health status in low-income countries. Ceramic water filters (CWFs) are used in many regions as sustainable HWT and have been proven to meet World Health Organization (WHO) microbiological performance targets for bacterial removal (2–4 log); however, the described viral removal efficiencies are insufficient to significantly reduce the associated risk of viral infection. With the objective of improving the viral removal efficiencies of ceramic water filters, new prototypes with different oxide compositions and firing atmospheres have been developed and evaluated. For removal efficiencies human adenoviruses, MS2 bacteriophage and Escherichia coli were quantified in all prototypes. A new model of CWF that was fired in a reductive atmosphere presented virus and bacteria removal efficiencies greater than 3.0 log and 2.5 log, respectively, which would fulfill the viral targets that are recommended by the WHO. Ceramic characterization of the selected filters, which were fired in a reductive atmosphere, showed that a larger specific surface area than those of control filters and higher fraction of a positive Z-potential fraction are the most likely explanations for this increase in virus removal.

scholarly journals Monitoring and Support for Elderly People Using LoRa Communication Technologies: IoT Concepts and Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
José Paulo Lousado ◽  
Sandra Antunes
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Security Forces ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Health Organization

The pandemic declared by the World Health Organization due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) awakened us to a reality that most of us were previously unaware of—isolation, confinement and the massive use of information and communication technologies, as well as increased knowledge of the difficulties and limitations of their use. This article focuses on the rapid implementation of low-cost technologies, which allow us to answer a fundamental question: how can near real-time monitoring and follow-up of the elderly and their health conditions, as well as their homes, especially for those living in isolated and remote areas, be provided within their care and protect them from risky events? The system proposed here as a proof of concept uses low-cost devices for communication and data processing, supported by Long-Range (LoRa) technology and connection to The Things Network, incorporating various sensors, both personal and in the residence, allowing family members, neighbors and authorized entities, including security forces, to have access to the health condition of system users and the habitability of their homes, as well as their urgent needs, thus evidencing that it is possible, using low-cost systems, to implement sensor networks for monitoring the elderly using the LoRa gateway and other support infrastructures.

scholarly journals Physico-Chemical Evaluation of Groundwater in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

1970 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
KO Ibrahim ◽  
O Joel ◽  
A Abdulrahman ◽  
SA Bankole
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
World Health ◽  
Water Type ◽  
Piper Diagram ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Dug Wells ◽  
Total Dissolved Solid ◽  
Health Organization

This study was done to determine the quality of water from hand-dug wells in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory Abuja Nigeria. The study area lies between latitudes 080 53’ 24’’N and 080 53’ 47’’N and longitude 070 14’ 24’’E and 070 14’ 35’’E. Water from twenty wells were randomly sampled. The physical properties investigated are pH, temperature, total dissolved solid (TDS) and electrical conductivity. The chemical analysis involved determination of the concentration of anions (SO42-, HCO3-, Fl-, CO3-, Cl-, NO3) and cations (Ca2+, Mg+, Na+,K+, Zn+, Fe2+, Cu2+. A piper diagram based on the relative percentages of the ions was plotted for classification according to hydrogeochemical facies of each water sample based on their dominant ions. The Piper diagram indicated Ca2+ and HCO3- as the dominant ions and therefore it is Ca−HCO3 water type. The physical properties of the water were found to be good based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS) and therefore water in the study area is safe for human consumption.KEYWORDS: groundwater, hydrochemical facies, anion, cation, piper diagram

scholarly journals STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY IN THE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION OF THE COVID-19 IN SOUTH KONAWE DISTRICT

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Suryani Suryani ◽  
Loly Subhiaty Idrus ◽  
Ruslin Ruslin ◽  
Rini Hamsidi
Keyword(s):  
Community Service ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Persuasive Communication ◽  
World Health ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Healthy Living ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Service Activity ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Community Movement

Background: Transmission of COVID-19 developed rapidly until the World Health Organization (WHO) established a pandemic status on COVID-19 since March 11, 2020. Various of government efforts in the context of prevention and treatment have been carried out including lockdowns decisision, social distancing and new normal was currently carried out. Objective: This community service activity aims as an effort to increase the knowledge and awareness of South Konawe communities to prevent and fight covid-19 by clean and healthy living behaviors. Method: The implementation of this activity using socialization and persuasive communication online methods via social media instagram and youtube and offline method performed in two categories, small-scale and large-scale at South Konawe. These community service activities are outlined in 4 main programs, GERMAS (Healthy Living Community Movement), GEMAS (Community Movement Using Masks), socialization about TOGA (Family Medicinal Plants), antiseptics and disinfectants. Results: The result of this program is increasing public knowledges about how to improve the immune system, such as consuming nutritious food, consuming herbs which can be processed into an infusion or decocta preparations as well as understand the importance of implementing about prevention of covid-19 in daily life, such wearing masks, antiseptics, and disinfectants and washing hand correctly. Conclusion: This community service activity really helped increase the knowledge and awareness of the community of South Konawe to prevent and fight the corona virus.

scholarly journals Suitability of Usuma Dam Water for Domestic Use in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 37-48
Author(s):  
Sani Mustapha Omolori ◽  
Marcus Danjuma ◽  
Magaji Joshua
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
World Health ◽  
Total Hardness ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Water Properties ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Regulatory Standard ◽  
Domestic Use ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Domestic Purpose

The quality of water sources should be tested regularly for various parameters of interest to ensure it meet the standard qualities required for intended use(s). Thus, the suitability of Usuma dam water for domestic use in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Abuja was assessed. The objectives were to assess the properties of Usuma dam water and ascertain its suitability for domestic purpose. A total of thirty (30) water samples were fetched directly. Ten (10) samples each from upstream, downstream and middle were collected. Precautions were taken to prevent sample contamination. Data collected were analyzed as follows: The water properties was analyzed using range and mean, suitability of water properties for domestic purpose was  analyzed by comparing range and mean values with Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) and the World Health Organization (WHO) standard for domestic uses. Result showed that water sample were slight acidic (6.83), EC was low (122-180 µs/cm3), TDS (120-144 Mg/l), TSS (1.2-1.7 Mg/l, turbidity (0.29-5.37 Mg/l,) total hardness (7.18-40.46 Mg/l) DO (3.8-4.7 Mg/l), BOD (2.2-4.21 Mg/l), and (25.6-55.4 Mg/l). Minerals nutrients (Ca, Mg, Cl-,Na, K, NO-3 and PO-4. ) in water samples were lower than regulatory standard while heavy metals (Fe, Si, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Mn, F and B) were relatively higher than regulatory standard. It was concluded that water from Usuma dam are not safe for domestic purpose especially drinking.

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