Physico-chemical characteristics and Heavy metal levels in Drinking Water sources in Sokoto metropolis in North-western Nigeria

This study investigated the physico-chemical characteristics of drinking waters collected from tap, well and sachet in Sokoto metropolis in North Western Nigeria. Conductivity and pH values were determined by standard methods while elemental composition was analysed using X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy. Majority of the water samples had neutral pH (6.80 – 7.20) few were slightly alkaline and one was acidic. Tap water samples had similar conductivity values (180 -190μS/m), sachet water samples had conductivity values ranging from 80μS/m to 260μS/m while well water samples had highest conductivity values with a sample having value above standard limit of 1,500μS/m. Heavy metals (copper and lead), rare earth metals (gallium, rubidium, strontium and vanadium) and other elements (potassium, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, zinc, arsenic, selenium, bromine and molybdenum) were detected. Result of elemental analysis showed the presence of 18 compounds in the differentwater samples, of which seven, namely: As, Cr, Mn, Pb, Ni, Se and Br had levels above WHO recommended permissible limits, with their attendant health implications. Generally, all the sampled waters analysed in this study failed chemical tests and therefore not suitable for drinking

Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Wounds in Patients Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

This work investigated the prevalence and antibiotics sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wounds of patients attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria-Nigeria. One hundred Isolates were characterized and identified from the specimens using standard microbiological methods. The results of the isolation and identification showed that 55(55%) were Gram-negative organisms and 44 (44%) were Gram-positive. Klebsiella species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 25% of the Gramnegative organisms, followed by Proteus species 19%, Klebsiella species 14% and Escherichia coli accounts for 11%, while Staphylococcus aureus 44% was the predominant Gram-positive organism. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using the disc diffusion method where the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated in wounds was observed. The highest sensitivity was observed for ofloxacin, moderate susceptibility was observed for ampicillin, cefuroxime and ceftriazone. The results obtained indicated strong resistance to cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin tetracycline and augmentin. There is the need for routine antibiotic sensitivity check

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Fecal Contamination and Inadequate Treatment of Packaged Water

<div><p>Background</p><p>Packaged water products provide an increasingly important source of water for consumption. However, recent studies raise concerns over their safety.</p><p>Objectives</p><p>To assess the microbial safety of packaged water, examine differences between regions, country incomes, packaged water types, and compare packaged water with other water sources.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles published in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish, with no date restrictions were identified from online databases and two previous reviews. Studies published before April 2014 that assessed packaged water for the presence of <i>Escherichia coli</i>, thermotolerant or total coliforms were included provided they tested at least ten samples or brands.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 170 studies were included in the review. The majority of studies did not detect fecal indicator bacteria in packaged water (78/141). Compared to packaged water from upper-middle and high-income countries, packaged water from low and lower-middle-income countries was 4.6 (95% CI: 2.6–8.1) and 13.6 (95% CI: 6.9–26.7) times more likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria and total coliforms, respectively. Compared to all other packaged water types, water from small bottles was less likely to be contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.17–0.58) and total coliforms (OR = 0.10, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.22). Packaged water was less likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.62) compared to other water sources used for consumption.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Policymakers and regulators should recognize the potential benefits of packaged water in providing safer water for consumption at and away from home, especially for those who are otherwise unlikely to gain access to a reliable, safe water supply in the near future. To improve the quality of packaged water products they should be integrated into regulatory and monitoring frameworks.</p></div