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Teikeu A W, Edna Buhnyuy V, Njeudjang K, Assembe SP, Aretouyap Z, Njandjock Nouck P. Combining statistical analyses and GIS-based approach for modeling the sanitary boundary of drinking water wells in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36765. [PMID: 39286103 PMCID: PMC11402761 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In slums and urban areas with unplanned housing such as in the city of Yaounde, Cameroon, poor water quality and inadequate sanitation pose significant health risks. The absence of locally-defined sanitary boundaries, tailored to hydrogeological conditions, hinders effective zoning and land use planning, exacerbating environmental degradation and health hazards. In this study, the sanitary boundary between drinking water wells and sources of pollution in the city of Yaoundé was defined using statistical analysis techniques and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) and certain significant parameters affecting water quality notably the transmissivity of the aquifer and well depth were used to establish the sanitary boundary equation which was then interpolated in a GIS environment to obtain the sanitary boundary map of the study area. The linear equation deduced from the significant factors was defined to map the health boundaries between wells and pollution sources for a nominal value of the GWQI (GWQI = 25). Of the 112 wells analysed, 37 % had an excellent GWQI, 16 % were good while the remaining 47 % were poor. Statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between the GWQI and significant factors of groundwater pollution, such as the distance between well and pit latrines (r = -0.753), the aquifer transmissivity of the formation (r = 0.671) and the depth of the wells (r = - 0.855) but no correlation with elevation (r = 0.017) and well age (r = 0.090). Linear regression analysis confirmed the association of the GWQI with the main factors of pollution (p ≤ 0.05). A coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.85 was obtained when validating the linear regression plot based on independent data between measured and predicted GWQI. The sanitary boundary map shows that the wells in our study area should be located between 39 m and 370 m, with an average value of 215 m. New regulations on the distance between well and pit latrines are essential to prevent groundwater pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Teikeu A
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Advanced School of Public Works, P.O. Box 510, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Visiy Edna Buhnyuy
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Advanced School of Public Works, P.O. Box 510, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Kasi Njeudjang
- Department of Quality Industrial Safety and Environment, Faculty of Mines and Petroleum Industries, University of Maroua, 46, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Stephane Patrick Assembe
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Advanced School of Public Works, P.O. Box 510, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Zakari Aretouyap
- Department of Architecture and Engineering Art, Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 31, Foumban, Cameroon
| | - Philippe Njandjock Nouck
- Laboratory of Geophysics and Geoexploration, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Wei X, Liang J, Ning T, Zhang C, Wang J, Tan L, Shen F. Response of soil microbial community structure and function to the sewage leakage: A case study of a 25-year-old cesspool. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142753. [PMID: 38971439 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Providing many millions of rural households with decentralized sanitation facilities remains challenging. In undeveloped areas, cesspools have still been widely used due to technologically simple and low-cost. However, the influence of cesspools on the surrounding soil remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of a 25-year-old household cesspool on soil physicochemical factors, microbial community composition and function, pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Soil at the depth around the sewage liquid level (D70) was mostly disturbed where TOC, NO3-N and TP was increased to 16.8 g/kg, 18.2 mg/kg and 1.02 mg/kg respectively. Correspondingly, the element cycling genes of carbon fixation, methanotrophy, nitrogen fixation, ammonia oxidation, and nitrate reduction etc., were increased at D70. Notably, human derived pathogens such as Enterobacter, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Prevotella, and Vibrio were highly enriched by 5-10 folders in D70, indicating the potential health risk to human. Mantel tests suggested that EC, TP, pH, NH3-N and particularly NO3-N are important factors that influence the microbial community and element cycling genes in cesspool-affected soil. Overall, this study revealed the impact of household cesspool leakage on the surrounding soil and provided information for the selection and construction of basic sanitation facilities in poor regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Wei
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Jiayin Liang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Tianyang Ning
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Chunxue Zhang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Lu Tan
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China.
| | - Feng Shen
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China; Key Laboratory of Rural Toilet and Sewage Treatment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, No. 31 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300191, China.
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3
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Saputra F, Kishida M, Hu SY. Nitrate and Nitrite Exposure Induces Visual Impairments in Adult Zebrafish. TOXICS 2024; 12:518. [PMID: 39058170 PMCID: PMC11281020 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate and nitrite have emerged as increasingly common environmental pollutants, posing significant risks to various forms of life within ecosystems. To understand their impact on the visual system of zebrafish, adult zebrafish were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of nitrate (10 mg/L) and nitrite (1 mg/L) for 7 days. Visual behaviors were examined using optomotor and avoidance response. The eyeballs of the zebrafish were collected for H&E staining, IHC, and qPCR. Exposure decreased visual behavior and the thickness of most retinal layers. Exposure decreased expression of pax6a, pax6b, gpx1a, and bcl2a. Exposure increased expression of esr1, esr1a, esr2b, cyp19a1b, sod1a, nos2a, casps3, and tp53, and increased retinal brain aromatase expression by IHC. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that nitrate and nitrite exposure negatively impacted the visual system of adult zebrafish, highlighting the potential hazards of these environmental pollutants on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Febriyansyah Saputra
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan;
| | - Mitsuyo Kishida
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan;
| | - Shao-Yang Hu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
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Hinton RGK, Macleod CJA, Troldborg M, Kanjaye MB, Kalin RM. The Status of Sanitation in Malawi: Is SDG6.2 Achievable? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6528. [PMID: 37569068 PMCID: PMC10418781 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and ending open defecation by 2030 is the focus of Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 (SDG6.2). We evaluated Malawi's progress towards SDG 6.2 (specifically the goal to end open defecation), presenting the results of a national survey of over 200,000 sanitary facilities and evaluating their management. Based on non-linear population dynamics, we used a linear model to evaluate the reduction in open defecation between 1992-2018, and to project whether Malawi can meet the SDG target to end open defecation by 2030 under multiple scenarios of population growth. Whilst Malawi has made considerable progress in providing sanitary provision for the population, we estimate that, at the current rate of the provision of sanitary facilities, Malawi will not reach SDG 6.2 by 2030 under any of the modelled socioeconomic scenarios. Furthermore, we compare the estimates of the extent of sanitary provision classed as improved from multiple surveys, including the USAID Demographic and Health (DHS) Surveys and Government of Malawi Census data. We conclude that some of the surveys (particularly the 2015/16 DHS) may be overestimating the level of improved sanitary provision, and we hypothesize that this is due to how pit-latrines with earth/sand slabs are classed. Furthermore, we examine the long-term sustainability of pit-latrine use, investigating the challenge of pit-latrine abandonment and identifying pit-latrine filling as a cause of the abandonment in 30.2% of cases. We estimate that between 2020-2070, 31.8 (range 2.8 to 3320) million pit-latrines will be filled and abandoned, representing a major challenge for the safe management of abandoned latrines, a potential for long-term impacts on the groundwater quality, and a significant loss of investment in sanitary infrastructure. For Malawi to reach SDG 6.2, improvements are needed in both the quantity and quality of its sanitary facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah G. K. Hinton
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | | | - Mads Troldborg
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Modesta B. Kanjaye
- Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Government of Malawi, Private Bag 390, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Robert M. Kalin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
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5
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Liu Y, Xi Y, Xie T, Liu H, Su Z, Huang Y, Xu W, Wang D, Zhang C, Li X. Enhanced removal of diclofenac via coupling Pd catalytic and microbial processes in a H 2-based membrane biofilm reactor: Performance, mechanism and biofilm microbial ecology. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135597. [PMID: 35817179 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Diclofenac (DCF) is a most widely used anti-inflammatory drug, which has attracted worldwide attention given its low biodegradability and ecological damage, especially toxic effects on mammals including humans. In this study, a H2-based membrane biofilm reactor (H2-MBfR) was constructed with well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles generated in situ. The Pd-MBfR was applied for catalytic reductive dechlorination of DCF. In batch tests, DCF concentration had significantly effect on the rate and extent DCF removal, and NO3- had negative impact on DCF reductive dechlorination. Over 67% removal of 0.5 mg/L DCF and 99% removal of 10 mg/L NO3--N were achieved in 90 min, and the highest removal of 97% was obtained at 0.5 mg/L DCF in the absence of NO3-. Over 78 days of continuous operation, the highest steady-state removal flux of DCF was 0.0097 g/m2/d. LC-MS analysis indicated that the major product was 2-anilinephenylacetic acid (APA). Dechlorination was the main removal process of DCF mainly owing to the catalytic reduction by PdNPs, microbial reduction, and the synergistic reduction of microbial and PdNPs catalysis using direct delivery of H2. Moreover, DCF reductive Dechlorination shifted the microbial community in the biofilms and Sporomusa was responsible for DCF degradation. In summary, this work expands a remarkable feasibility of sustainable catalytic removal of DCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfen Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yanni Xi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Tanghuan Xie
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Huinian Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Zhu Su
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yicai Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Weihua Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Xin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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6
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K'oreje K, Okoth M, Van Langenhove H, Demeestere K. Occurrence and point-of-use treatment of contaminants of emerging concern in groundwater of the Nzoia River basin, Kenya. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 297:118725. [PMID: 34953949 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater constitutes a major source of fresh water globally. However, it faces serious quality challenges from both conventional pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), personal care products (PCPs) and pesticides. There exists a significant knowledge gap regarding the occurrence of CECs in groundwater, especially in Africa. This study presents unique data on the concentration of fourteen PhACs, five PCPs and nine pesticides in groundwater wells in Nzoia River basin, Kenya. Generally, PCPs were the most dominant class with concentrations up to 10 μg/L (methylparaben). Anti(retro)virals, being important in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, were more prevalent among the PhACs as compared to the developed world, with concentrations up to 700 ng/L (nevirapine). In contrast, pesticides were measured at lower concentrations, the maximum being 42 ng/L (metolachlor). A basic risk assessment shows that - among the detected CECs - carbamazepine may pose medium human health risk and requires further investigation among infants and children. Point-of-use (POU) technologies are being increasingly promoted especially in the developing nations to provide drinking water solutions at the household level, but very little data is available on their performance towards CECs removal. Therefore, besides measuring CECs in groundwater, we investigated ceramic filters and solar disinfection (SODIS) as possible POU treatment options. Both techniques show potential to treat CECs in groundwater, with removal efficiencies higher than 90% obtained for 41 and 22 compounds in ceramic filters and SODIS, respectively. Moreover, for the more recalcitrant compounds (e.g. sulfadoxin), the performance is improved by up to three orders of magnitude when using TiO2 as a photocatalyst in SODIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K'oreje
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium; Water Resources Authority, P.O. Box 45250-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maurice Okoth
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, School of Science, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Herman Van Langenhove
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof Demeestere
- Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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7
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Rivett MO, Tremblay-Levesque LC, Carter R, Thetard RCH, Tengatenga M, Phoya A, Mbalame E, Mchilikizo E, Kumwenda S, Mleta P, Addison MJ, Kalin RM. Acute health risks to community hand-pumped groundwater supplies following Cyclone Idai flooding. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150598. [PMID: 34597537 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal flood-relief study assessed the impact of the March 2019 Cyclone Idai flood event on E. coli contamination of hand-pumped boreholes in Mulanje District, Malawi. It established the microbiological water-quality safety of 279 community supplies over three phases, each comprising water-quality survey, rehabilitation and treatment verification monitoring. Phase 1 contamination three months after Idai was moderate, but likely underestimated. Increased contamination in Phase 2 at 9 months and even greater in Phase 3, a year after Idai was surprising and concerning, with 40% of supplies then registering E. coli contamination and 20% of supplies deemed 'unsafe'. Without donor support for follow-up interventions, this would have been missed by a typical single-phase flood-relief activity. Contamination rebound at boreholes successfully treated months earlier signifies a systemic problem from persistent sources intensified by groundwater levels likely at a decade high. Problem extent in normal, or drier years is unknown due to absence of routine monitoring of water point E. coli in Malawi. Statistical analysis was not conclusive, but was indicative of damaged borehole infrastructure and increased near-borehole pit-latrine numbers being influential. Spatial analysis including groundwater flow-field definition (an overlooked sector opportunity) revealed 'hit-and-miss' contamination of safe and unsafe boreholes in proximity. Hydrogeological control was shown by increased contamination near flood-affected area and in more recent recharge groundwater otherwise of good quality. Pit latrines are presented as credible e-coli sources in a conceptual model accounting for heterogeneous borehole contamination, wet season influence and rebound behavior. Critical to establish are groundwater level - flow direction, hand-pump plume draw, multiple footprint latrine sources - 'skinny' plumes, borehole short-circuiting and fast natural pathway (e.g. fracture flow) and other source influences. Concerted WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) sector investment in research and policy driving national water point based E. coli monitoring programs are advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Rivett
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK.
| | | | - Ruth Carter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Rudi C H Thetard
- USAID ONSE Health Activity, Health Programs Group Management Sciences for Health MSH, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Morris Tengatenga
- USAID ONSE Health Activity, Health Programs Group Management Sciences for Health MSH, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ann Phoya
- USAID ONSE Health Activity, Health Programs Group Management Sciences for Health MSH, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Emma Mbalame
- The Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, Lilongwe Headquarters, Private Bag 390, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Steven Kumwenda
- BASEFlow, Galaxy House, Chichiri, Blantyre, PO Box 30467, Malawi
| | - Prince Mleta
- The Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, Lilongwe Headquarters, Private Bag 390, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Marc J Addison
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Robert M Kalin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
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Singh S, Anil AG, Kumar V, Kapoor D, Subramanian S, Singh J, Ramamurthy PC. Nitrates in the environment: A critical review of their distribution, sensing techniques, ecological effects and remediation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:131996. [PMID: 34455120 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution is eminent in almost all the developing nations as a result of increased natural activities apart from anthropogenic pollution. The release of nitrates in more than critical quantities into the water bodies causes accretion impacts on living creatures, environmental receptors, and human vigour by accumulation through the food chain. Nitrates have recently acquired researchers' huge attention and extend their roots in environmental contamination of surface and groundwater systems. The presence of nitrate in high concentrations in surface and groundwater triggers several health problems, for instance, methemoglobinemia, diabetes, eruption of infectious disorders, harmfully influence aquatic organisms. Sensing nitrate is an alternate option for monitoring the distribution of nitrate in different water bodies. Here we review electrochemical, spectroscopic, and electrical modes of nitrate sensing. It is concluded that, among the various sensors discussed in this review, FET sensors are the most desirable choice. Their sensitivity, ease of use and scope for miniaturisation are exceptional. Advanced functional materials need to be designed to satiate the growing need for environmental monitoring. Different sources of nitrate contamination in ground and surface water can be estimated using different techniques such as nitrate isotopic composition, co contaminants, water tracers, and other specialized techniques. This review intends to explore the research work on remediation of nitrate from wastewater and soil using different processes such as reverse osmosis, chemical denitrification, biological denitrification, ion exchange, electrodialysis, and adsorption. Denitrification proves as a promising alternative over previously reported techniques in terms of their nitrate removal because of its high cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simranjeet Singh
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India
| | - Amith G Anil
- Department of Material Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi, U.P. , India
| | - Dhriti Kapoor
- Department of Botany, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144111, India
| | - S Subramanian
- Department of Material Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India
| | - Joginder Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144111, India.
| | - Praveen C Ramamurthy
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research (ICWaR), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 56001, India.
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9
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Sunkari ED, Korboe HM, Abu M, Kizildeniz T. Sources and routes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in water systems in Africa: Are there any sustainable remedies? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 753:142298. [PMID: 33207460 PMCID: PMC7480675 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Governments across the globe are currently besieged with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Although some countries have been largely affected by this pandemic, others are only slightly affected. In this regard, every government is taking precautionary measures to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in wastewater raising an alarm for Africa due to the poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Also, most countries in Africa do not have resilient policies governing sanitation and water management systems, which expose them to higher risk levels for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, this study unearthed the likely sources and routes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in water systems (mainly wastewater) in Africa through a holistic review of published works. This provided the opportunity to propose sustainable remedial measures, which can be extrapolated to most developing countries in the world. The principal sources and routes of potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in water systems are hospital sewage, waste from isolation and quarantine centres, faecal-oral transmission, contaminated surface and groundwater sources, and contaminated sewage. The envisioned overwhelming impact of these sources on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through water systems in Africa suggests that governments need to put stringent and sustainable measures to curtail the scourge. Hence, it is proposed that governments in Africa must put measures like improved WASH facilities and public awareness campaigns, suburbanization of wastewater treatment facilities, utilizing low-cost point-of-use water treatment systems, legally backed policy interventions, and Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS). SARS-CoV-2 in water systems can be inactivated and destroyed by integrating ozonation, chlorination, UV irradiation, and sodium hypochlorite in low-cost point-of-use treatment systems. These proposed sustainable remedial measures can help policymakers in Africa to effectively monitor and manage the untoward impact of SARS-CoV-2 on water systems and consequently, on the health of the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Daanoba Sunkari
- Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Main Campus, 51240, Niğde, Turkey.
| | - Harriet Mateko Korboe
- Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Main Campus, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Mahamuda Abu
- Department of Earth Science, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 24, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - Tefide Kizildeniz
- Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Main Campus, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
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Adelodun B, Ajibade FO, Ibrahim RG, Bakare HO, Choi KS. Snowballing transmission of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) through wastewater: Any sustainable preventive measures to curtail the scourge in low-income countries? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:140680. [PMID: 32629273 PMCID: PMC7329667 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In this communication, we proposed sustainable preventive measures that may be adopted by the low-income countries to forestall the potential outbreak and transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) through wastewater. Most low-income countries have poor sanitation and wastewater management policies, which create potential risks of COVID 19 spread. Hence, the proposed measures include decentralization of wastewater treatment facilities, community-wide monitoring and testing of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples, improved sanitation, developing point-of-use devices for wastewater decontamination, and more focused policy interventions. Therefore, this paper adds useful insights into the monitoring and management of ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515 Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704 Akure, Nigeria; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | | | | | - Kyung-Sook Choi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Adelodun B, Ajibade FO, Ibrahim RG, Bakare HO, Choi KS. Snowballing transmission of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) through wastewater: Any sustainable preventive measures to curtail the scourge in low-income countries? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:140680. [PMID: 32629273 DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2019.108334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this communication, we proposed sustainable preventive measures that may be adopted by the low-income countries to forestall the potential outbreak and transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) through wastewater. Most low-income countries have poor sanitation and wastewater management policies, which create potential risks of COVID 19 spread. Hence, the proposed measures include decentralization of wastewater treatment facilities, community-wide monitoring and testing of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples, improved sanitation, developing point-of-use devices for wastewater decontamination, and more focused policy interventions. Therefore, this paper adds useful insights into the monitoring and management of ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashir Adelodun
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515 Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, PMB 704 Akure, Nigeria; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | | | | | - Kyung-Sook Choi
- Department of Agricultural Civil Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Paleo-Geohydrology of Lake Chilwa, Malawi is the Source of Localised Groundwater Salinity and Rural Water Supply Challenges. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10196909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Meeting long-term rural community water supply needs requires diligent geohydrological conceptualisation. Study of Malawi’s Lake Chilwa Basin, including sampling of 330 water points in Phalombe District, enabled assessment of groundwater quality influence upon supply. The control of larger Lake Chilwa paleo-environments on current Basin groundwater quality is demonstrated. Lacustrine sediment deposition forming high-level deposits under open lake conditions and terrace deposits under open and closed lake conditions significantly control the groundwater major-ion quality and salinity now observed. Paleo-lake extent marks the transition between low-TDS (total dissolved solids) groundwater suitable for water supply at higher elevations and high-TDS brackish groundwater in areas overlain by lacustrine deposits closer to the current lake level. Low-TDS groundwater is limited to mid-to-low reach influent leakage of rivers incising terraces. Permeable fluvial deposits within the deeper paleo-river channel may possibly provide low-TDS water. The conceptual model, whereby paleo-lake controls groundwater salinity, provides science-based evidence to address policy to manage the significant water point functionality concerns quantified at the district and river basin scales. Targeting of the low-TDS groundwater alongside improved use of upland low-TDS stream/river sources with fewer, but larger capacity, and better maintained gravity-fed supply schemes are recommended. This study hence shows the value of paleo-geohydrology interpretation of the lake–groundwater system conceptualisation to inform Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6.5.1)—integrated water resources management policy for rural water supply.
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13
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Reducing Groundwater Contamination from On-Site Sanitation in Peri-Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: Reviewing Transition Management Attributes towards Implementation of Water Safety Plans. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12104210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
High urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has resulted in increased peri-urban groundwater contamination by on-site sanitation. The World Health Organization introduced Water Safety Plans (WSP) towards the elimination of contamination risks to water supply systems; however, their application to peri-urban groundwater sources has been limited. Focusing on Uganda, Ghana, and Tanzania, this paper reviews limitations of the existing water regime in addressing peri-urban groundwater contamination through WSPs and normative attributes of Transition Management (TM) towards a sustainable solution. Microbial and nutrient contamination remain prevalent hazards in peri-urban SSA, arising from on-site sanitation within a water regime following Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles. Limitations to implementation of WSPs for peri-urban groundwater protection include policy diversity, with low focus on groundwater; institutional incoherence; highly techno-centric management tools; and limited regard for socio-cultural and urban-poor aspects. In contrast, TM postulates a prescriptive approach promoted by community-led frontrunners, with flexible and multi-domain actors, experimenting through socio-technical tools towards a shared vision. Thus, a unified risk-based management framework, harnessing attributes of TM and IWRM, is proposed towards improved WSP implementation. The framework could assist peri-urban communities and policymakers in formulating sustainable strategies to reduce groundwater contamination, thereby contributing to improved access to safe water.
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14
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Seasonally Variant Stable Isotope Baseline Characterisation of Malawi’s Shire River Basin to Support Integrated Water Resources Management. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12051410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is vital to the future of Malawi and motivates this study’s provision of the first stable isotope baseline characterization of the Shire River Basin (SRB). The SRB drains much of Southern Malawi and receives the sole outflow of Lake Malawi whose catchment extends over much of Central and Northern Malawi (and Tanzania and Mozambique). Stable isotope (283) and hydrochemical (150) samples were collected in 2017–2018 and analysed at Malawi’s recently commissioned National Isotopes Laboratory. Distinct surface water dry-season isotope enrichment and wet-season depletion are shown with minor retention of enriched signatures ascribed to Lake Malawi influences. Isotopic signatures corroborate that wet-season river flows mostly arise from local precipitation, with dry-season flows supported by increased groundwater contributions. Groundwater signatures follow a local meteoric water line of limited spread suggesting recharge by local precipitation predominantly during the peak months of the wet-season. Relatively few dry-season groundwater samples displayed evaporative enrichment, although isotopic seasonality was more pronounced in the lowlands compared to uplands ascribed to amplified climatic effects. These signatures serve as isotopic diagnostic tools that valuably informed a basin conceptual model build and, going forward, may inform key identified Malawian IWRM concerns. The isotopic baseline establishes a benchmark against which future influences from land use, climate change and water mixing often inherent to IWRM schemes may be forensically assessed. It thereby enables both source-water protection and achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
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15
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Chan T, MacDonald MC, Kearton A, Elliott M, Shields KF, Powell B, Bartram JK, Hadwen WL. Climate adaptation for rural water and sanitation systems in the Solomon Islands: A community scale systems model for decision support. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136681. [PMID: 31986388 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Delivering water and sanitation services are challenging in data poor rural settings in developing countries. In this paper we develop a Bayesian Belief Network model that supports decision making to increase the availability of safe drinking water in five flood-prone rural communities in the Solomon Islands. We collected quantitative household survey data and qualitative cultural and environmental knowledge through community focus group discussions. We combined these data to develop our model, which simulates the state of eight water sources and ten sanitation types and how they are affected by season and extreme events. We identify how climate and current practices can threaten the availability of drinking water for remote communities. Modelling of climate and intervention scenarios indicate that water security could be best enhanced through increased rainwater harvesting (assuming proper installation and maintenance). These findings highlight how a systems model can identify links between and improve understanding of water and sanitation, community behaviour, and the impacts of extreme events. The resultant BBN provides a tool for decision support to enhance opportunities for climate resilient water and sanitation service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Chan
- Monash Sustainability Institute and the Water Studies Centre, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - M C MacDonald
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - A Kearton
- International WaterCentre, Adelaide St, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - M Elliott
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - K F Shields
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - B Powell
- International WaterCentre, Adelaide St, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia; School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - J K Bartram
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - W L Hadwen
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia; Griffith Climate Change Response Group, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
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16
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Water–Isotope Capacity Building and Demonstration in a Developing World Context: Isotopic Baseline and Conceptualization of a Lake Malawi Catchment. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11122600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Developing countries such as Malawi require improved access to isotope tracer tools to better characterize and manage water resources threatened by land development, deforestation and climate change. This is the first published study to use an isotope facility developed in Malawi for this purpose, instead of relying upon sample analyses from abroad. Results from this new facility are used to evaluate an important Lake Malawi catchment in the Rift Valley. This work successfully established a stable-isotope baseline, hydrochemical signatures, and system conceptualization against which future policy change and management strategies may be measured. Precipitation isotopic composition was consistent with the Global Meteoric Water Line, but varied, confirming different precipitation systems nationally. Groundwater largely followed a Local Meteoric Water Line, with limited isotopic variation indicating predominant areal groundwater recharge, but with dry-season evaporative enrichment of groundwater near Lake Malawi. Surface-water isotopes widely varied with local precipitation, suggesting the latter accounted for wet-season river flows, but upstream dambo (complex wetlands occupying a shallow, seasonal waterlogged depression) helped sustain dry-season flows. Isotope capacity reinforced water-resource conceptualization and provenance in a hydrologically complex, but not atypical, Rift Valley system, exhibiting a noted complexity of groundwater–surface-water interactions. The latter, critical to integrated water resource management, requires more focused study, to which an expanded array of isotopes will contribute to tracking Sustainable Development Goal 6 targets. This study and future catchment studies should help underpin Malawian water-resource policy implementation on several identified fronts.
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17
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Stranded Assets as a Key Concept to Guide Investment Strategies for Sustainable Development Goal 6. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The concept of Stranded Assets has been used for nearly 50 years across many sectors, most recently it has been a focus of investment portfolios in light of the possible impacts of climate change. However, to date there has been no in-depth determination of the impact of Stranded Assets for rural water supply, despite international development targets from Rio, through Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and now the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The limiting factor for carrying out such an assessment is the requirement of a full and detailed asset register recording all rural water supplies in a country. The Scottish Government Climate Justice Fund Water Futures Programme, in collaboration with the Government of Malawi, is undertaking a comprehensive asset audit across Malawi, and this paper introduces the concept of Stranded Assets for the rural water supply sector using Malawi as an exemplar. Here, we demonstrate how significant change in the implementation strategy for SDGs compared to the MDGs is needed to reduce the potential for Stranded Assets and meet its ultimate aim.
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Rivett MO, Budimir L, Mannix N, Miller AVM, Addison MJ, Moyo P, Wanangwa GJ, Phiri OL, Songola CE, Nhlema M, Thomas MAS, Polmanteer RT, Borge A, Kalin RM. Responding to salinity in a rural African alluvial valley aquifer system: To boldly go beyond the world of hand-pumped groundwater supply? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:1005-1024. [PMID: 30759542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Effective response to groundwater salinity in the developing world may critically safeguard drinking-water supplies. Groundwater resources throughout rural Africa are exploited by a vast and increasing number of hand-pumped boreholes for community supply. Our research in TA Ngabu (Shire Valley), Southern Malawi aims to: define groundwater-salinity problem occurrence within the semi-arid alluvial-valley aquifer, rural developing-world setting; critique current capacity to respond; and, to discuss future response options - in particular considering the need to explore alternative options that boldly go beyond the world of hand-pumped groundwater supply. Salinity problem definition was achieved through survey of 419 hand-pumped boreholes that revealed widespread brackish groundwater leading to non-potable (unpalatable) drinking-water supplies. Persistent non-functionality or abandonment of boreholes was typically ascribed to salinity. Whilst salinity is conceptualised to arise from shallow-groundwater evaporation, formation-evaporite dissolution and faulted-area upwelling, sparse data locally renders attribution of salinity sources to individual boreholes difficult. There is a significant need to better resolve the vertical distribution of salinity and local controlling processes. Problem response capacity was hampered by multiple factors, including, sector inertia, low drilling costs compromising water-point integrity, and lack of technical vision for alternatives. Various recommendations are made to improve response capacity continuing to work at the hand-pump supply scale. However, in areas where salinity is significant, exploring the feasibility of other options is advocated in conjunction with technical capacity development. Groundwater options may utilise high borehole yields possible from alluvial aquifers, grossly under-exploited by hand pumps. Groundwater at depth, albeit of unknown quality typically, or pipeline transfers of probable good-quality groundwater from valley-margin units, should be considered. Surface-water pipeline supplies may be viable for (growing) population centres. Canal-fed irrigation schemes (pending for the area), should be multiple-use, protective of groundwater and embrace pipeline drinking-water supply and managed-aquifer-recharge opportunities. Advancing desalination technologies, although presently unaffordable, should be kept under review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Rivett
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK.
| | - Laura Budimir
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Nicholas Mannix
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Alexandra V M Miller
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Marc J Addison
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Phideria Moyo
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Regional Irrigation and Water Development Office, South, Private Bag 13, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gift J Wanangwa
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Regional Irrigation and Water Development Office, South, Private Bag 13, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Owen L Phiri
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Regional Irrigation and Water Development Office, South, Private Bag 13, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chrispine E Songola
- District Water Development Office Chikwawa District Council, Private Bag 1, Chikwawa, Malawi
| | | | | | - Reid T Polmanteer
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Amando Borge
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Robert M Kalin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
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19
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Rivett MO, Halcrow AW, Schmalfuss J, Stark JA, Truslove JP, Kumwenda S, Harawa KA, Nhlema M, Songola C, Wanangwa GJ, Miller AVM, Kalin RM. Local scale water-food nexus: Use of borehole-garden permaculture to realise the full potential of rural water supplies in Malawi. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 209:354-370. [PMID: 29309961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Local-scale opportunities to address challenges of the water-food nexus in the developing world need to be embraced. Borehole-garden permaculture is advocated as one such opportunity that involves the sustainable use of groundwater spilt at hand-pump operated borehole supplies that is otherwise wasted. Spilt water may also pose health risks when accumulating as a stagnant pond. Rural village community use of this grey-water in permaculture projects to irrigate borehole gardens is proposed to primarily provide economic benefit whereby garden-produce revenue helps fund borehole water-point maintenance. Water-supply sustainability, increased food/nutrition security, health protection from malaria, and business opportunity benefits may also arise. Our goal has been to develop an, experience-based, framework for delivery of sustainable borehole-garden permaculture and associated benefits. This is based upon data collection and permaculture implementation across the rural Chikwawa District of Malawi during 2009-17. We use, stakeholder interviews to identify issues influencing uptake, gathering of stagnant pond occurrence data to estimate amelioration opportunity, quantification of permaculture profitability to validate economic potential, and critical assessment of recent permaculture uptake to identify continuing problems. Permaculture was implemented at 123 sites representing 6% of District water points, rising to 26% local area coverage. Most implementations were at, or near, newly drilled community-supply boreholes; hence, amelioration of prevalent stagnant ponds elsewhere remains a concern. The envisaged benefits of permaculture were manifest and early data affirm projected garden profitability and spin-off benefits of water-point banking and community micro-loan access. However, a diversity of technical, economic, social and governance issues were found to influence uptake and performance. Example issues include greater need for improved bespoke garden design input, on-going project performance assessment, and coordinated involvement of multi-sector governmental-development bodies to underpin the integrated natural-resource management required. The developed framework aims to manage the identified issues and requires the concerted action of all stakeholders. Based on the probable ubiquity of underlying issues, the framework is expected to be generalizable to the wider developing world. However, this particular application of permaculture represents a fraction of its greater potential opportunity for rural communities that should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O Rivett
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK.
| | - Alistair W Halcrow
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Janine Schmalfuss
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
| | - John A Stark
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Jonathan P Truslove
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Steve Kumwenda
- Water for People - Malawi, PO Box 1207, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Chrispine Songola
- District Water Development Office, Chikwawa District Council, Private Bag 1, Chikwawa, Malawi
| | - Gift J Wanangwa
- Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Regional Irrigation and Water Development Office - South, Private Bag 13, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alexandra V M Miller
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
| | - Robert M Kalin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XJ, UK
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