Feature of Industrial Wastewater Discharged to the Sewerage System

Industrial wastewater generation is considered as an environmental problem in all Palestinian Governorates. The connection of industrial wastewater to the treatment plant (TP) is always a matter of a case evaluation. The first concern is whether the industrial wastewater is possible to be treated at the TP, without any disturbances in operating of the plant or deterioration of the quality of the effluent or sludge. The second concern is the size of industrial wastewater flow in relation to the plant capacity. The final disposal of the industrial effluent has to be defined to avoid the damage of the treatment process and to protect public health and ecological system. Furthermore, it is important for the possible reuse of treated effluent in agriculture or recharge to the groundwater aquifer

Gaza Solid Waste Management Project

1.1 Background The Gaza Solid Waste Management Project (GSWMP) is a comprehensive strategic infrastructure and capacity building project. Where Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF) is managing the southern component of the project, with its financing partners: the France Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the World Bank Group (WBG), in close cooperation with the Joint Service Council for Solid Waste Management in Khan Younis, Rafah and Middle Area (JSC KRM) and member municipalities. The southern component of the project is covering the service area of JSC KRM (3 of 5 governorates in Gaza Strip, namely the Middle Area, Khan Younis, and Rafah Governorates) comprising approximately 64% of Gaza Strip’s total geographic area inhabited by 46% of the total Gaza Strip’s population, or approximately 800,000 people according the 2014 Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) projections. The GSWMP is aiming at improving solid waste management services in the Gaza Strip through the provision of efficient and environmentally-and socially-sound waste disposal schemes, and initiating measures to improve overall solid waste management systems. Through the GSWMP, a sanitary landfill is currently constructed in the southern region of Gaza Strip (Rafah) with capacity to serve the 3 governorates until year 2025, and to serve the entire Gaza Strip until the year 2040. The new facility will be equipped to operate at high standard and it will be complemented by a system of three solid waste transfer stations in southern part of Gaza Strip, one of which (Khan Younis) was constructed by

Evaluation of technical performance of Beit-Lahia wastewater treatment plant in the Northern Gaza Strip-Palestine

1. BACKGROU D The Gaza strip has suffered years of occupation, neglect and infrastructure destruction. The quality of the groundwater is a major problem in the Gaza strip. Access to sewerage facilities, at present, varies from area to area. On average, it is estimated that about 60% of the population is connected to a sewerage network (U EP, 2003; World Bank, 2004). Cesspits and boreholes are the other wastewater disposal systems in the area. There are three wastewater disposal and treatment facilities in Gaza strip, Beit Lahia, Gaza City and Rafah, but none are functioning effectively (MOPIC, 1998). The effluent from the Gaza and Rafah treatment plants is mostly discharged into the Mediterranean Sea. In the case of the Beit Lahia wastewater treatment plant (BLWWTP), a substantial quantity of wastewater infiltrates into the ground, contaminating soil and groundwater in the area. High level of nitrate have recently been detected from the aquifer, and it is most likely that the excess effluent is responsible for the deterioration of the water quality of the aquifer (Abu-Jalalah, 1999). The actual BLWWTP (Waste Stabilization and Aerated Lagoon Hybrid System) serves Jablia refugee camp, villages of Beit Lahia, Nazla, Aum El-Naser and Beit Hanoun and the system doesn’t operate in accordance with its original design. In fact, the actual plant differs from the original design in the number of ponds as well as the function of the pond. The plant is over loaded: it was designed to serve a population of 50 thousand inhabitants while it is currently serving around 265 thousand inhabitants. Today, the ponds are operating in series with the following order: 2

Wastewater reuse status in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Groundwater is the only significant source of water in the Gaza Strip. Currently, special attention has been paid to improve the water resource situation in the regional level. Reuse of wastewater could be one of the main options to develop the water resource in the region. This strategy will lead to reducing the gap of water deficit between supply and demand. The limited reliable data on existing situation and absence of clearly defined reuse policy for wastewater based on economic and health basis make the reuse of wastewater dream more than a reality in Gaza Strip. The paper provides adequate data on wastewater reuse planning. It evaluates the status of wastewater quality and quantity, treatment faculties and reuse applications. In the same time, the paper gives some regional experiences and recommendations for future management of wastewater reuse

Developing an integrated sustainable sanitation system for urban areas: Gaza strip case study

A vertical flow (reed bed) constructed wetland was used for treating bio-solid and gray water. The results present a positive performance in treating the bio-solids and well-stabilized accumulated organic material in the bed formed fertile soil. Moreover, using vertical flow reed bed of liquid waste treatment showed removal of around 70% of organic matter indicator Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The Fecal Coliform (FC) removal was around 2 logs (99.9%) with a retention time of less than two days. The effluent can be used in agriculture or groundwater recharge. A semi-dry toilet followed by anaerobic/aerobic units is in planning to be coupled with an existing system. The system mainly depended on separating of the human excreta from the urine and gray water. The two separated fractions will be treated in vertical flow reed bed to produce organic fertilizer and reclaimed water for reuse. Such systems could be a suitable solution for wastewater problems in Gaza strip and similar regions. The designed and planned system integrated environmental and technical sound approaches with socio-economical aspects. In addition, the designed system implemented the idea of a natural and closed circle of water and nutrients “from food to food”

Environmental Infection Control in Intensive Care Units at Gaza Governorates: Interventional Study

Background: Worldwide, many lives are lost because of the spread of infections in health facilities. Microbial organisms spreading in everything around us (air, water, food and inanimate surfaces). Most of these infections can be prevented by well-established processes for decontamination and cleaning of soiled instruments. High-risk areas such as intensive care units (ICUs) require special ventilation systems that designed to provide clean air with high efficiency, which need to be considered in the hospitals construction. It is also imperative for health care administrators to ensure implementation of the infection control program in health care facilities. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental infection control (EIC) measures in the general ICUs in Gaza. Methodology: A three-months descriptive cross sectional study was done to evaluate the two main general ICUs in Gaza "Shifa Complex and European Gaza Hospital (EGH)". A total of 196 microbiological samples for air, water, and inanimate surfaces were surveyed. Both ambient air and inspiratory air from mechanical ventilator machines (MV) were sampled and cultured for bacterial and fungal count. Also, 20 water specimens were tested for bacterial presence. In addition, 120 swabbed cultures from surfaces and equipments were growing in a pre-enrichment media before incubation. Moreover, a total of 516 reading for climate temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) were gathered as the most important factors assist in bacterial multiplication. Results: The study revealed that 62% of the infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in Shifa ICU were unfit, in comparison with EGH ICU (53%). Also, the total bacterial count within indoor air in both ICUs ranged from (1170 to 1470) cfu/m3 (standard is less than 50 cfu/m3 ). Moreover, results revealed the presence of bacterial count that ranged from 73 to 90 cfu/m3 in the inspired air from MVs. However, fungal count was 830 cfu/m3 at Shifa, while free at EGH MVs. The climate temperature average during day hours was significantly high than the standard in about 4oC, thus 79.73% of HCPs (P=0.000) saw that their provided care was affected negatively by unsatisfactory T. RH average was 59% in both units, at a high limit of the international standard. On the other hand, count of total and fecal coliform in all water sources were negative. The study revealed that 96% of pre-enriched swabbed cultures in Shifa were positive, closely the same as EGH (93%). Bacterial findings in both units were: Pseudomonas 38.5% (n=24), E-coli 32% (n=20), and Klebsilla 16% (n=10). However, Staph arues was 16.1% (n=5) in EGH ICU and free at Shifa. Conclusions: Periodic monitoring of ventilation system efficiency is desired to ensure optimal indoor air quality, Palestinian IPC should to be updated to include standards about air and ventilation system, particularly bacterial and fungal count in indoor air. Also standards for climate T and RH average in ICUs is necessary. Urgent interventions are required to improve methods of disinfecting the hospital environmental surfaces and equipments especially MVs. Although, the study supported using of pre-enrichment media rather than dry method and direct culture for inanimate surfaces outbreak examinations. Vital system and implementations for healthcare waste disposal and laundry system  essentially required  to be  more developed. Key words: Infection control, Indoor air, inspired air from mechanical ventilators, Water, Inanimate Surfaces, Temperature, Relative Humidity.

Environmental Infection Control in Intensive Care Units at Gaza Governorates: KAP Study

Background: Patient safety is one of the most important aspects in evaluating the quality of healthcare. However, healthcare associated infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care units (ICUs). Undoubted, adhering to recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) practices could decrease most of these infections through IPC strategies. These strategies  have been shown to be both clinically effective and cost-effective. It is anticipated that all healthcare providers (HCPs) adhere to standards in their practices. The standards must be part of the knowledge, attitude, and practice KAP of all the health facilities to obtain the clients safety and protection. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of the HCPs at general ICUs toward environmental infection control (EIC) in Gaza. Methodology: A three-months descriptive cross sectional study was done to evaluate the KAP of the two main general ICUs in Gaza "Shifa Complex and European Gaza Hospital (EGH)". Self-administered questionnaire was fulfilled by 73 HCPs to assess the knowledge and attitude toward EIC. Furthermore, 68 HCPs practices were evaluated through an observation checklist. Results: Self-administered questionnaire results revealed that nearly 40% of the HCPs acquired influenza followed by chest infection more than twice in the same year. In addition, about 58% of their answers confirm knowledge deficit. Regarding HCPs attitude headed for EIC, 80.68% agreed to use hand rub instead of  hand washing (P=0.001). HCPs practices were in about 50% compliance. However, nurses were more adherent than physicians in about 7.5%. Nearly 80% of HCPs hadn't experienced supervision of their practices regarding IPC implementation. The study discovered insufficient level of performance for hand hygiene, and cleaning of environment, both hand hygiene practices and invasive procedures IPC measures were not applied in a percentage of 60%. Moreover, healthcare waste disposal and laundry system remained the highest malpractices reported. Conclusions: The study recommend educational courses and applying of monitoring and auditing programs depending on checklist system. Written Arabic protocols have to be available. Influenza vaccination for all ICUs HCPs should be mandatory to decrease earn rate of influenza. Advanced healthcare waste and laundry systems necessitate to be developed. The study recommend sufficient level of performance for hand hygiene, and cleaning of environment. Key words: Infection, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, environment, hand hygiene

Adsorption of diuron and linuron in Gaza soils

This study investigated the adsorption potential of diuron and linuron in selected soil samples collected from agricultural area of Gaza Strip, Palestine and correlated the adsorption results to the soil properties. The adsorption experiments are based on the batch equilibrium technique and UV-Spectrophotometer method to determine the equilibrium concentration of both herbicides. Results of adsorption experiment showed that linuron and diuron are adsorbed in various amounts in Gaza soils according to the variation in pH, organic matter and clay content. Adsorption isotherms of both herbicides were linear in the tested concentration. Fitting the adsorption data to Freundlich equation showed good fitting and Freundlich constants were less than one indicating physical adsorption processes. It is concluded that soil organic matter and pH affect the adsorption of both herbicides. These results provided a better understanding of the behavior of diuron and linuron in Gaza soils

Environmental Infection Control in Intensive Care Units at Gaza Governorates: KAP Study

Background: Patient safety is one of the most important aspects in evaluating the quality of healthcare. However, healthcare associated infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care units (ICUs). Undoubted, adhering to recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) practices could decrease most of these infections through IPC strategies. These strategies have been shown to be both clinically effective and cost-effective. It is anticipated that all healthcare providers (HCPs) adhere to standards in their practices. The standards must be part of the knowledge, attitude, and practice KAP of all the health facilities to obtain the clients safety and protection. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of the HCPs at general ICUs toward environmental infection control (EIC) in Gaza. Methodology: A three-months descriptive cross sectional study was done to evaluate the KAP of the two main general ICUs in Gaza" Shifa Complex and European Gaza Hospital (EGH)". Self-administered questionnaire was fulfilled by 73 HCPs to assess the knowledge and attitude toward EIC. Furthermore, 68 HCPs practices were evaluated through an observation checklist. Results: Selfadministered questionnaire results revealed that nearly 40% of the HCPs acquired influenza followed by chest infection more than twice in the same year. In addition, about 58% of their answers confirm knowledge deficit. Regarding HCPs attitude headed for EIC, 80.68% agreed to use hand rub instead of hand washing (P= 0.001). HCPs practices were in about 50% compliance. However, nurses were more adherent than physicians in about 7.5%. Nearly 80% of

MicroRNA-377 expression level as a marker of nephropathy in Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most dangerous complications of diabetes mellitus. To prevent these complications in diabetic patients monitoring of patients is a must. In last decades many authors were trying to investigate molecular biomarker to detect patients who are at risk. MicroRNA-377 is one of the promising biomarkers for prediction of diabetic nephropathy. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of miRNA-377 as early predictor of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Patients and methods: Seventy five patients with type 2 diabetes and 25 healthy control participants are enrolled in a case-control study. Clinical evaluation, and laboratory investigations including fasting plasma glucose, serum creatinine, fasting lipid profile, glycosylated hemoglobin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin creatinine ratio, The expression of serum miRNA-377 was measured via quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Expression of miR-377 could differentiate diabetic patients from healthy control as the expression of miR-377 was significantly higher in overall T2DM patients than in the healthy control (2.5 fold change, P<0.001), and was progressively increased in the normoalbuminuric group and further increased in the microalbuminuric and macroalbuminuric groups (1.92, 2.76, 3.38 fold change respectively, P<0.001). MiR-377 expression levels were positively correlated with diabetes duration, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, creatinine and ACR, while miR-377 expression levels were significantly negatively correlated with HDL-C and eGFR.Conclusions: MiR-377 might act as a promising biomarker for prediction of development of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes patients