Bio-Insecticides: The One- Health Response to Mosquito-Borne Diseases of Public Health Importance

Mosquito-borne diseases are among the leading causes of human and animal illnesses and deaths globally. Mosquitoes are found throughout the world; are nuisances, hosts and vectors of many disease-causing parasites of public health importance. These diseases include malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, etc. Mosquitoes pose significant threat to human and animal health, are a global challenge with huge medical and economic impact. Control of mosquitoes is a major component of vector-disease management; chemical insecticides remain the mainstay of control as documented in scholarly reports. The effectiveness of available methods have been limited by factors including insecticide resistance, high operational costs, toxicity on non- target organisms and environmental pollution. The emphasis on public health and environmental protection has led to global concerns about these risks and prompted the search for environmentally-friendly products. Bio-insecticides are based on natural products or microorganisms and are able to control pests including insect vectors effectively with minimal environmental impact. This paper comments on the significant research progress for bio-developed insecticides in response to the need for eco-friendly products, the role of multidisciplinary approach to encourage innovation in bio-insecticide development and its application as a one-health response to mosquito-borne infectious diseases of Public Health importance

Low Emission, Smoke Free Charcoal from Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis) Waste- A Cheap Energy Source for Rural Communities in Nigeria

The use of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) waste as a potential source of soil conditioner in agriculture has long been identified. Its conversion into smokeless and low emission charcoal which is more environmental friendly has not been well investigated. The present study explored conversion of oil palm waste into low emission charcoal. Palm Kernel Fibre (PKF) and Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) were subjected to a pyrolytic process in a Closed Drum Carboniser (CDC). The raw waste and the gaseous emissions that emanated during processing of wastes and during use for cooking were analysed for its mineral composition and emissions of CO, CO2, SO2, NO2 and PM2.5 contents respectively using potable digital gas monitoring equipment and gravimetric PM sampler. The PKS had low nitrogen: (0.02 ± 0.03) Ma.-% and phosphorus: (0.18 ± 0.10) Ma.-% required for plant growth but high in potassium: (3.24 ± 2.49) Ma.-% which can be recovered from charcoal ash. The time taken to convert 25 kg of PKF and PKS into charcoal and their percentage volume reduction were: 1h: 13 min (90.00 Ma.-%) and 1h: 19 min (70 .00 Ma.-%) respectively. The charcoal produced from PKS exhibited higher stove value for cooking 200 g of rice within 25 min using 0.35 kg of the charcoal as against 28 min and 0.40 kg observed for conventional wood charcoal. The study showed that PKF and PKS form viable feed-stock to produce charcoal which emits less smoke and reduce greenhouse gas emissions when used as cooking fuels in households. Keywords: Closed drum carboniser, Low emission charcoal, Elaeis guineensis, Oil palm waste, Pyrolytic process, Stove energy valu

Water and sanitation problems in selected schools in Ibadan, Nigeria

The poor state of water and sanitation facilities in schools in Nigeria particularly those studied in Ibadan is one of the major factors for the declining health and reduced productivity among children of school age. This study assessed the state of water and sanitation facilities in schools and determined their health correlates. The study was a descriptive cross sectional survey. Eight Secondary schools located in Ibadan metropolis with average population not less than 500 students per school were selected randomly for the study. A total of 400 questionnaires (50 in each school) were administered to respondents drawn from all the participating schools. In addition observational checklist was used. Results show 60% of the respondents use well water in their various school premises. In most of these schools the number of this water facility was limited to one as reported by 100% of the respondents at OAHS. Majority of the respondents 39(78%) reported that it takes about 5minutes walk to access the facility. Majority 49(98%) especially at OAHS reported that the water was used mainly for cleaning in the school premises. Pit latrine was the major excreta disposal facility used according to 100%, 100%, 100%, 90%, 98%, 76.6% respondents for BPA, IGS, BOHS, OAHS, ACGS and ABHS respectively. The major water and sanitation related ailments reported in the schools apart from malaria were diarrhea and worm infestation. The study indicates that water and sanitation facilities are inadequate in schools. There is a need for such facilities to be provided and upgraded; hygiene improved in order to minimize health risks amongst pupils in schools

Knowledge, Attitude and PracticeSurvey of SourceSeparation of Solid Wastes among Workers of a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria

Source-separation is a solid waste management strategy which aids recycling. This concept is relatively new in Nigeria. The study therefore documented the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Source-separation among workers such as NonAcademic Staff and Business Operators at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was adopted. The non-residenlial areas of Student Union Building (SUB), Works Department (WD) and Faculty of the Social Sciences (FSS) were purposively selected with 180 business operators at the SUB and 168 Non-Academic Staff at the FSS and WD. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on sourceseparation. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data. Participants' mean age was 30+8.9 years. Majority of the respondents in the locations SUB (72.6%) compared with WD and ESS (67.2%) had no knowledge of recycling. The attitude towards source separation and recycling especially at the SUB was very poor. At the SUB (94.4%) felt waste recycling was not necessary; compared to WD and FSS (53.0%). The practice of source-separation in all locations was very poor; Majority of the respondents at SUB (97.8%), WD and FSS (91.1%) do not separate their waste. The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about source-separation of wastes were poor. Therefore, advocacy and training are needed to promote the adoption of source-separation in the institution

Solid Waste Management Problems in Secondary Schools in Ibadan, Nigeria

Inappropriate solid waste management practices in schools in less-developed countries, particularly in major urban communities, constitute one of the major factors leading to declining environmental health conditions. The objective of the authors' descriptive, cross-sectional study was to assess solid waste management problems in selected urban schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. Eight secondary schools with average pupil populations not less than 500 per school were selected randomly. Four hundred questionnaires (50 per school) were administered. In addition, an observational checklist was used to assess the physical environment. Paper and plastics were the most frequently generated wastes. Common methods of solid waste disposal reported were use of dustbins for collection and open burning. Major problems perceived with current refuse disposal methods by the study students were odors, pest infestation, and spillages. Littering and spillages of solid waste were also common features reported. Data suggested inadequate waste management facilities and practices in study schools. The lack of refuse bins may have contributed to waste spillages and the burning practices. Odors may have arisen from both the decay of overstored organic waste rich in moisture and emissions from refuse burning. This scenario poses a community environmental health nuisance and may compromise school environmental quality

Characterization of Solid Wastes in the Non-Residential Areas of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Human activities create waste; the composition of solid waste varies from town to town and depends on food habits, cultural practices, occupations, and the presence and apes of industries and institutions. In Nigeria, only a little is known about the characteristics of solid wastes generated in institutions of higher learning. The study, therefore, characterized solid wastes generated in non-residential areas of the University of Ibadan. A cross-sectional study design was adopted. The non-residential areas of the Student Union Building (SUB), Works Department (WD), and Faculty of the Social Sciences (FSS) were purposively selected. Wastes generated in the three locations were weighed and their Physico-chemical characteristics determined using the Standard methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. The mean weekly recyclable wastes generated in the three locations were: 246.9+2 l.4kg (food wastes), 111.7+I 0.6kg (plastics), and 156.5+ 10.3kg (paper). The mean values of the chemical constituents or the generated food wastes were: 2.7+0.59, 2. I +0.77 and 3.4+0.72% (nitrogen) for SUB, WD, and FSS respectively with no significant difference; 0. I +0.03, 0. I +0.03 and 0.1 + 0.04% (phosphorus) for SUB, WD and FSS respective with no significant difference; and 0.3+0.04, 0.2+0.05 and 0.2+0.03% (potassium) for SUB, WD and FSS respectively and no significant difference was observed. The solid wastes generated in the non-residential areas have good recycling potential with a large volume. Therefore, efforts should be made for the establishment of a solid waste recycling facility in the Institution

Urban Environmental Noise Pollution and Perceived Health Effects in Ibadan, Nigeria

Urban environmental noise pollution has impact on the quality of life and it is a serious health and social problem. The aim of this study was to assess the sources and noise levels, and possible impacts in selected residential neighbourhoods of Ibadan metropolis. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents on demographic and neighbourhood characteristics, sources of noise and perceived effects of noise pollution. Noise level meter was used to determine the noise levels. Results showed that noise levels, sources and the period the noise level reaches its peak vary with population density and are shown on GIS maps. The mean noise values for the three residential neighbourhood groups were low density (LD), 53.10±2.80dB; medium density (MD), 68.45± 2.10dB and high density (HD), 68.36±1.92dB with the medium density neighbourhoods having the highest mean value. There is a significant difference in the noise levels in the three neighbourhood groups (F value=11.88 and p=0.000). However, the difference in noise levels between HD/LD and LD/MD areas was significant (p=0.000) while that between HD/MD areas was not significant (p=0.975). Of the three residential neighbourhoods, the highest mean noise level (85.80dB) was recorded at Bere junction while the lowest was at the foot of Bowers tower at Oke Are (48.65dB). Based on WHO 16-hour DNL criteria of 55dB for residential areas, only 16 (23.2%) locations in the three residential neighbourhood groups had noise values that were within the recommended limit. The study concludes that there is a need for formulation and enforcement of permissible noise levels/standards for residential neighbourhoods by the Federal Ministry of Environment instead of using the current eight-hour standard of 90dB which is for industrial settings