Heavy Metal Concentrations in Urban Stormwater Runoff and Receiving Stream.

Stormwater and receiving stream water samples were collected along Abeokuta- Ibadan road at four different locations and analysed for heavy metals: copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium  and other pollution indicating indices like DO, BOD5, COD, total dissolved solid, EC, pH, chloride, hardness, and alkalinity. The result of the analyses showed the mean concentration of heavy metals were:  0.66 mg/L (Pb), 0.83 mg/L (Zn), 1.93 mg/L (Cu), 0.51 mg/L (Cd) and 0.44 mg/L (Cr). Copper is the most prominent metal both in the stormwater and the receiving streams in the study area compared to others.  Average physico-chemical properties of stormwater such as pH w as 9.15±0.49, temperature, 26.27±0.51, EC, 276.00±48.86 uScm-1, hardness, 93.25±48.0 and alkalinity, 2.78±1.04 for the stream. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in the stormwater ranges from 2.88 to 3.97 mg/L. Mean TDS, COD and BOD5 were 128.7 mg/L, 156.25 mg/L, and 47.06 mg/L respectively. None of these values exceeded the limit considered as potential hazard according to international standards. However, in the nearest future the pollution level may likely increase drastically exceed the recognised standards due to increasing urban activities, hence, there is the need to safeguard the health of the urban ecosystem by reducing stormwater pollution from sources and the development of sustainable urban stormwater management using best management practices (BMPs). Keywords: Highways; Pollution; Urbanisation; Stormwater; Stormwater Management

Mapping of Traffic-Related Air Pollution Using GIS Techniques in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria

Spatial and temporal characteristics of traffic related air pollutants (CO, NO, NO2 and SO2) in Ijebu-ode, Nigeria were determined using replicate portable gas detectors (Land Duo Multi Gas Monitor) at selected road junctions, motor garages and markets. Mapping of different concentration of air pollutants was carried out using kriging type of interpolation method in GIS environment. Concentration of CO ranges from 4.8 ppm at Erinlu/Molipa Roundabout to 137ppm on Sagamu/Ore Expressway. Concentrations of NO2  range from 100-662 ppb with overall average value (OAV) of 299.8 ppb, while concentration of nitrogen oxide (NO) ranges between 67-302 ppb and OAV of 166.23 ppb. SO2 had concentration ranging between 38-245 ppb and an OAV of 139.07 ppb all of which are above standard ambient air quality standards. AQI indicated very unhealthy air quality in most areas which calls for the need to establish and strengthen the health-based standard for air pollutants

Assessment of Groundwater Contamination by Textile Effluent Discharges in Ikorodu, Nigeria

This paper assessed physicochemical properties (temperature, pH, acidity, alkalinity, colour, odour, taste, EC, TDS, TH, turbidity, bicarbonate, phosphate, nitrate, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl- & SO42- as well as heavy metal concentrations heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn) of selected wells and borehole near textile industries in Ikorodu, Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods by APHA, while heavy metals were analysed using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The pH of water from the boreholes and hand-dug wells ranged from 5.90 to 6.70. The well water had higher total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sulphate and chloride compared to the boreholes. Alkalinity in the boreholes ranged from 740.2 to 820.4 mg L-1 compared to wells that ranged from 144.4 to 670.2 mg L-1. EC for the boreholes ranged from 124.5-182.3 μS cm-1 compared to EC of wells that ranged from 216.2-385.6 μS cm-1. TDS ranged from 48.6-60.3 mg L-1 in the borehole compared to 62.5-120 mg L-1 in the wells. Concentration of Fe ranged from 0.12 to 1.2 mg L-1 in the boreholes compared to 1.2 to 1.60 mg L-1 found in the well water. Zn, Pb, and Cu ranged from 0.60 to 1.20 mg L-1, 0.02 to 0.03 mg L-1 and 0.04 to 0.06 mg L-1 respectively. Concentrations of Fe and Pb were above the permissible limits of WHO and NIS. A possible source of pollution is seepage of effluent discharge through the porous soil into the groundwater and this poses great danger to the health of the people who consume the water

Assessment of Traffic Related Heavy Metals Pollution of Roadside Soils in Emerging Urban Centres in Ijebu-North Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the concentration of eight critical heavy metals in the roadside soils of selected urban centres in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State, SW, Nigeria. Thirty-six composite soil samples were collected along the roadside based on distances to the roads. Physiochemical properties and concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in roadside soils in some selected locations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Accumulation of heavy metals in top soils is greately influenced by traffic volume and all the heavy metals exhibited a significant reduction in the roadside soils with increasing distance from the road. Metal concentrations in the roadside soils followed order of Zn>Pb>Fe>Cu>Mn>Cd>Cr. Concentration of Zn was 156.09 mg/Kg in roadside soils of Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye which is experiencing high volume of traffic , while it ranged from 10 \u2013 47 mg/Kg for Ijebu-Igbo/Bajowa/Akanran road with low traffic volume. Pb concentration of 26.7 mg/Kg was observed in : Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye road especially in centre of the city. Concentration of all heavy metals examined were below the EU guideline, however, the paper suggested a regular monitoring and assessment to ensure sustainable management of the urban environment and reduction of traffic-related contamination of soil, plants and water

Assessment of Traffic Related Heavy Metals Pollution of Roadside Soils in Emerging Urban Centres in Ijebu-North Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the concentration of eight critical heavy metals in the roadside soils of selected urban centres in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State, SW, Nigeria. Thirty-six composite soil samples were collected along the roadside based on distances to the roads. Physiochemical properties and concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in roadside soils in some selected locations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Accumulation of heavy metals in top soils is greately influenced by traffic volume and all the heavy metals exhibited a significant reduction in the roadside soils with increasing distance from the road. Metal concentrations in the roadside soils followed order of Zn>Pb>Fe>Cu>Mn>Cd>Cr. Concentration of Zn was 156.09 mg/Kg in roadside soils of Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye which is experiencing high volume of traffic , while it ranged from 10 – 47 mg/Kg for Ijebu-Igbo/Bajowa/Akanran road with low traffic volume. Pb concentration of 26.7 mg/Kg was observed in : Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye road especially in centre of the city. Concentration of all heavy metals examined were below the EU guideline, however, the paper suggested a regular monitoring and assessment to ensure sustainable management of the urban environment and reduction of traffic-related contamination of soil, plants and water

Assessment of the Pollution Status of Eleyele Lake, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Background. Lakes are a vital water resource, but are adversely affected by pollutants such as heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from urban, agricultural and industrial activities. This can give rise to potential pollution-related health problems such as cancer and infectious diseases. Risk assessments are necessary to determine the degree of pollution and its effects on human health and ecological systems. Objectives. This study assessed the pollution status and a risk assessment was calculated to determine the degree of the pollution and its effects on the human health and the ecological system of Eleyele Lake in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods. Physical and chemical parameters, heavy metals and PCBs were determined in the lake water using standard methods from December 2013 to February 2014 at ten different sites of anthropogenic activity. Results. Water pH ranged from 6.00–7.50, while electrical conductivity ranged from 205.00–221.00 μs/cm3. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 0.30–6.00 mg/L and total dissolved solids ranged from 105.00–113.00 mg/L. Phosphate levels ranged from 13–0.99 mg/L. Nitrate and sulphate in the dry season ranged from (3.10–3.80 and 35.81–40.97 mg/L) and (0.12– 0.37 and 6.10–10.30 mg/L) in the wet season. Heavy metal concentrations were in the order cadmium (Cd) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) > chromium (Cr) > lead (Pb) for the dry season and Cd > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu for the wet season. Total PCBs ranged from 493.90–732.55 μg/L and 52.00–390.03 μg/L for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. All determined physical and chemical parameters were within permissible levels, while heavy metals and PCB concentrations were higher than permissible levels. Discussion. The hazard quotients and carcinogenic risk values were greater than acceptable limits, indicating that PCBs in Eleyele lake water pose adverse health effects to the local population. It was observed in this study that lower chlorinated PCBs were more prevalent than higher chlorinated PCBs. This may be attributed to the fact that the lower chlorinated PCBs are influenced by atmospheric deposition as a result of their volatility, and they are more susceptible to atmospheric transport than highly chlorinated PCBs. Conclusions. PCBs possess serious health risks to the population that depends on the lake as a source of domestic water and its aquatic organisms. Efforts are needed to reduce anthropogenic influence on the lake through strict environmental controls. Competing Interests. The authors declare no financial competing interests

Complementary Feeding Knowledge, Practices, and Dietary Diversity among Mothers of Under-Five Children in an Urban Community in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Inappropriate complementary feeding is a major cause of child malnutrition and death. This study determined the complementary feeding knowledge, practices, minimum dietary diversity, and acceptable diet among mothers of under-five children in an urban Local Government Area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Eti-Osa area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 355 mothers and infants. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire and 24-hour diet recall was used to assess dietary diversity. Data was analyzed using Epi-Info. Results: Knowledge of complementary feeding was low (14.9%) and was associated with older mothers’ age, being married, and higher level of education. The prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding (47.9%), dietary diversity (16.0%) and minimum acceptable diet for children between 6 and 9 months (16%) were low. Overall, appropriate complementary feeding practice was low (47.0%) and associated with higher level of mothers’ education and occupation. Conclusions and Global Health Implications: Complementary feeding knowledge and practices were poor among mothers of under-5 especially the non-literate. Reduction of child malnutrition through appropriate complementary feeding remains an important global health goal. Complementary feeding education targeting behavioral change especially among young, single and uneducated mothers in developing countries is important to reduce child morbidity and mortality. Key words: Complementary Feeding • Infant Feeding • Infant and Child Health • Mothers of Under-five Children • Pediatrics Copyright © 2017 Olatona et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Follow-on rifaximin for the prevention of recurrence following standard treatment of infection with clostridium fifficile (RAPID): a randomised placebo controlled trial

©2018 The Authors. Published by BMJ. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316794Background Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) recurs after initial treatment in approximately one in four patients. A single-centre pilot study suggested that this could be reduced using ’follow-on’ rifaximin treatment. We aimed to assess the efficacy of rifaximin treatment in preventing recurrence. Methods A multisite, parallel group, randomised, placebo controlled trial recruiting patients aged ≥18 years immediately after resolution of CDI through treatment with metronidazole or vancomycin. Participants received either rifaximin 400mg three times a day for 2weeks, reduced to 200mg three times a day for a further 2weeks or identical placebo. The primary endpoint was recurrence of CDI within 12 weeks of trial entry. Results Between December 2012 and March 2016, 151 participants were randomised to either rifaximin or placebo. Primary outcome data were available on 130. Mean age was 71.9 years (SD 15.3). Recurrence within 12 weeks was 29.5% (18/61) among participants allocated to placebo compared with 15.9% (11/69) among those allocated to rifaximin, a difference between groups of 13.7% (95% CI −28.1% to 0.7%, p=0.06). The risk ratio was 0.54 (95% CI 0.28 to 1.05, p=0.07). During 6-month safety follow-up, nine participants died in each group (12%). Adverse event rates were similar between groups. Conclusion While ’follow-on’ rifaximin after CDI appeared to halve recurrence rate, we failed to reach our recruitment target in this group of frail elderly patients, so the estimated effect of rifaximin lacks precision. A meta-analysis including a previous trial suggests that rifaximin may be effective; however, further, larger confirmatory studies are needed.The trial was sponsored by the University of Nottingham, was coordinated from the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit and was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network

Adaptation of the Wound Healing Questionnaire universal-reporter outcome measure for use in global surgery trials (TALON-1 study): mixed-methods study and Rasch analysis

BackgroundThe Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire (WHQ) is a universal-reporter outcome measure developed in the UK for remote detection of surgical-site infection after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to explore cross-cultural equivalence, acceptability, and content validity of the WHQ for use across low- and middle-income countries, and to make recommendations for its adaptation.MethodsThis was a mixed-methods study within a trial (SWAT) embedded in an international randomized trial, conducted according to best practice guidelines, and co-produced with community and patient partners (TALON-1). Structured interviews and focus groups were used to gather data regarding cross-cultural, cross-contextual equivalence of the individual items and scale, and conduct a translatability assessment. Translation was completed into five languages in accordance with Mapi recommendations. Next, data from a prospective cohort (SWAT) were interpreted using Rasch analysis to explore scaling and measurement properties of the WHQ. Finally, qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated using a modified, exploratory, instrumental design model.ResultsIn the qualitative phase, 10 structured interviews and six focus groups took place with a total of 47 investigators across six countries. Themes related to comprehension, response mapping, retrieval, and judgement were identified with rich cross-cultural insights. In the quantitative phase, an exploratory Rasch model was fitted to data from 537 patients (369 excluding extremes). Owing to the number of extreme (floor) values, the overall level of power was low. The single WHQ scale satisfied tests of unidimensionality, indicating validity of the ordinal total WHQ score. There was significant overall model misfit of five items (5, 9, 14, 15, 16) and local dependency in 11 item pairs. The person separation index was estimated as 0.48 suggesting weak discrimination between classes, whereas Cronbach's α was high at 0.86. Triangulation of qualitative data with the Rasch analysis supported recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ items 1 (redness), 3 (clear fluid), 7 (deep wound opening), 10 (pain), 11 (fever), 15 (antibiotics), 16 (debridement), 18 (drainage), and 19 (reoperation). Changes to three item response categories (1, not at all; 2, a little; 3, a lot) were adopted for symptom items 1 to 10, and two categories (0, no; 1, yes) for item 11 (fever).ConclusionThis study made recommendations for cross-cultural adaptation of the WHQ for use in global surgical research and practice, using co-produced mixed-methods data from three continents. Translations are now available for implementation into remote wound assessment pathways