Removal of Escherichia coli in treated wastewater used for food production in Morogoro, Tanzania

Acadmic Journal Vol. 10(33), pp. 1344-1350The aim of this study was to assess the removal efficiency of Escherichia coli at Mafisa and Mzumbe domestic wastewater treatment ponds in Morogoro, Tanzania. The study was done from October, 2013 to April, 2014. A total of 125 water samples from inlets and subsequent anaerobic, facultative and maturation ponds as well as treated wastewater were collected and analysed for E. coli. The estimated retention times of the wastewater treatment units were 19 and 22 days in Mafisa and Mzumbe ponds, respectively. The concentration of E. coli ranged from 4.70 to 5.60 log cfu/mL in untreated wastewater and was reduced to <1.00 to 2.00 log cfu/mL in the treated wastewater. During rainy and cold seasons, the effluent discharged out at Mafisa during August 2013; and March and April, 2014 was about 2 log cfu/mL while at Mzumbe E. coli concentration in effluent discharged out was up to 1.23 log cfu/mL. The concentration of E. coli in untreated and treated wastewater from the two wastewater treatment ponds study sites were comparable (P<0.05). Reduction of E. coli concentration in wastewater treatment ponds study sites was significant with less reduction seen at Mafisa, during rainy and cold seasons in March, April and August. To conclude, the simple wastewater treatment ponds in the study sites were effective and demonstrated potential for reduction of public health risks associated with use of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation and aquaculture

Detection and Quantification of Oestrogenic Endocrine Disruptors in Water in Mwanza Gulf in the Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to detect the presence and quantify the total oestrogens (estriol (E1), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E3)) in Lake Victoria water with a view of assessing their contribution to the health status of fish. A total of 27 water samples; three from each of the nine sampling sites were collected in Mwanza gulf in the city in May 2012. Solvent extraction procedures were used to obtain extracts of pollutants that were further analysed using the competitive Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to detect and quantify the total oestrogens. Overall, the concentration of total oestrogens was low and ranged from 10 – 200 pg/L. Concentrations of these chemicals decreased along the gradient, being highest (107±81.4 pg/L) in rivers before entering into the lake and lowest (19±5.4 pg/L) in water samples collected in the lake at about 100 meters from inshore (intermediate sampling points). Levels of total oestrogens were significantly different between categories of water sources (P = 0.009). Two most polluted rivers were Butimba and Nyakurunduma with concentrations at 150 pg/L and 200 pg/L respectively. Dumping of wastes in rivers without treatment was the most likely source of the pollutants. Findings from this study have revealed the existence of oestrogens with endocrine disrupting properties at different concentrations, and that rivers are the main sources of oestrogenic endocrine disruptors in Lake Victoria water near Mwanza City.Keywords: ELISA, endocrine disruptors, oestrogens, pollutio

Recent ecological change in ancient lakes

Ancient lakes are among the best archivists of past environmental change, having experienced more than one full glacial cycle, a wide range of climatic conditions, tectonic events, and long association with human settlements. These lakes not only record long histories of environmental variation and human activity in their sediments, but also harbor very high levels of biodiversity and endemism. Yet, ancient lakes are faced with a familiar suite of anthropogenic threats, which may degrade the unusual properties that make them especially valuable to science and society. In all ancient lakes for which data exist, significant warming of surface waters has occurred, with a broad range of consequences. Eutrophication threatens both native species assemblages and regional economies reliant on clean surface water, fisheries, and tourism. Where sewage contributes nutrients and heavy metals, one can anticipate the occurrence of less understood emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics that negatively affect lake biota and water quality. Human populations continue to increase in most of the ancient lakes’ watersheds, which will exacerbate these concerns. Further, human alterations of hydrology, including those produced through climate change, have altered lake levels. Co‐occurring with these impacts have been intentional and unintentional species introductions, altering biodiversity. Given that the distinctive character of each ancient lake is strongly linked to age, there may be few options to remediate losses of species or other ecosystem damage associated with modern ecological change, heightening the imperative for understanding these systems

Assessment of hygienic practices and faecal contamination of beef at Vingunguti slaughterhouse in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

An investigation was conducted between January to February 2013 to assess the hygienic practices and faecal contamination of beef at Vingunguti slaughterhouse using Escherichia coli as an indicator organism. Hygienic practices were assessed using a questionnaire survey to 40 slaughterhouse workers. Faecal sampling was done to 75 slaughter cattle and after slaughter swab samples from neck, shoulder, pelvis and thigh muscles of dressed carcasses were collected and were subjected to standard bacteriological analysis for E. coli O157 isolation. The findings revealed poor hygienic practices, lack of adequate knowledge on the existence of enteropathogens and meat contamination, and a negative perception on improving sanitary conditions and practices by workers. There were no essential basic facilities for a slaughterhouse such as potable running water, separated clean and dirty areas, stunning and bleeding facilities, area for inspection of carcasses, properly working drainages, cold room, changing room, protective clothing for the workers and proper working tools. Animals were slaughtered, dressed and meat handled in dirty environment that caused gross contamination of meat. The drainage system was dilapidated and there were no defined means of waste disposal. E. coli Escherichia coli was isolated in all the samples analysed. However, E. coli O157 strain was not isolated in all the samples analysed. It is concluded that the hygienic practices, slaughterhouse facilities and conditions at Vingunguti slaughterhouse are poor predisposing carcasses to faecal contamination. Measures to improve the sanitary situation are recommended particularly the water supply and drainage, slaughter methods, meat handling practices and standard abattoir equipment.SADC TADS Projec

Tick infestations in extensively grazed cattle and efficacy trial of high-cis cypermethrin pour-on preparation for control of ticks in Mvomero district in Tanzania

BCM Veterinary research, 2012; 8 (224)Background: This study aimed at determining the extent of tick infestations in extensively grazed cattle and assess the efficacy of EcotixW acaricide (2.5% high cis cypermethrin) in Mvomero district in Tanzania. A total of 1200 Tanzanian short horn Zebu (TSHZ) from two farms in two villages were qualitatively assessed for tick infestations and 40 animals (grouped in 10s from each farm) were separated in their herds and quantitatively examined to establish the tick load. The animals were grouped in treatment regime groups (TxRG 1, 2, 3, and 4), TxRG 1 being the control group was treated with water. EcotixW was applied on day 0 for TxRG 2, days 0 and 7 for TxRG 3 and days 0, 7 and 14 for TxRG 4 and tick load was monitored for 28 days. Results: All the animals examined were infested with ticks. The identified ticks were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (55%), Amblyomma variegatum (18%), R. (Boophilus) microplus (12.9%), R. (B) decoloratus (7.1%), R. evertsi evertsi (4.4%) and R. composites (2.6%). The overall mean (mean ± SEM) tick density on day zero was 63 ± 30 ticks per animal (ranging from 20–160). The mean tick density on day zero was 44.6 ± 25.4, 74.6 ± 30.3, 55.0 ± 26.2 and 77 ± 33.5 for groups one, two, three and four respectively. Post-treatment quantitative assessment of tick burden revealed that the TxRG 1 animals maintained a tick load throughout the study period. A significant decrease in tick load in animals in groups TxRG 2, 3 and 4 (P=0.0001) with increasing frequency of EcotixW application was recorded. There was however no significant difference in tick reduction between TxRG 3 and 4 (P=0.0986). Thus TxRG 3 would be sufficient for the monthly tick treatment and with this regime, the farmer would save up to 2.5 USD per animal during six months of dry season. Conclusions: The study revealed a high tick infestation among the TSHZ kept in extensive grazing systems in Mvomero district and that when treated with EcotixW as pour-on preparation using a two application regime per month, the tick control strategy was effective.Farm base Ltd of Dar es Salaam, Tanzani

Current situation for antimicrobial use, antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial residues in the food and agriculture sectors in Tanzania: A review

Antimicrobials are used worldwide at sub-therapeutic levels as growth promoters in the agriculture sector. The global consumption of antimicrobials in food animal production was estimated at 63 151±1 560 tons in 2010 and is projected to rise by 67%, to 105 596 ±3,605 tons by 2030. Although limited reports describe the situation in Tanzania, the trend of antimicrobials use in the livestock sector is alarming in the country. In Tanzania, studies have indicated that there are rampant and indiscriminate uses of antibiotics in the Livestock sector fueled by trade liberalization. Antibiotics are openly sold on the streets in Tanzania and are distributed over the counters without prescriptions. Farmers in Tanzania do not observe withdrawal periods as recommended by government policies. Most Tanzanian poultry farmers (up to 90%) treat their chicken by themselves with antibiotics. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials for growth promotion and treatment in the animal sector in Tanzania has contributed significantly to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in the livestock sector in this country. Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) were also reported in the livestock sector in Tanzania. Antibiotic residues are present at high levels in foods of animal origin in Tanzania. Antibiotic residues have also been detected in egg, chicken meat, ready-to-eat beef and milk samples from different regions in Tanzania. The use of antimicrobials as growth promoters should be terminated and One Health approach should be used to guide policy and effective use of antibiotics.Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; growth promotion; Livestock; food safety; Tanzani

Self-reported health effects among short and long-term pesticide sprayers in Arusha, Northern Tanzania: A cross sectional Study

Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs Occupational, 2015; 3(6)Background: The aim of the present study was to assess whether long-term exposure to pesticides is associated with adverse health effects in professional pesticide sprayers. Methods: The study was conducted in Lake Eyasi Basin and Ngarenanyuki in Arusha region, during the dry season in September-October 2013. In a cross-sectional study, 97 short-term exposed men with at most three months as professional sprayers were compared with 60 long-term exposed men with experience of at least five years as professional sprayers. The study participants were aged 18-30 years, drawn from the same source population and interviewed using semi structured questionnaire. The questions focused on spraying procedures and on present and recurrent medical history including presence of selected six known pesticide induced health conditions. Results: Organophosphates, carbamates, dithiocarbamates and pyrethroids were the most applied insecticides but also organochlorine fungicides and endosulfan were frequently applied. The majority of the sprayers reported unsafe pesticide use. Mean pesticide uses in litres, spray frequency per crop and per week were 637, and 1.3 respectively for about 270 days a year. Respiratory disease symptoms were the most frequently reported (46/157; 29.3%) followed by skin (27/157; 17.2%), and sight (24/157; 15.3%). When adjusted for age and other predictors, long-term exposed sprayers had significantly higher self-reported occurrences of peripheral neuropathy (OR=7.7, CI95%: 1.045-56.728, p=0.045) and respiratory disorders (OR=0.2, CI95%: 0.067-0.501, p=0.001) compared with short-term exposed. Furthermore, 10 sprayers, all long-term exposed reported poor libido and erection problems. Conclusions: These findings document lack of safety knowledge, safe pesticide management and the implementation of protective measures as well as suggesting that long-term exposure to pesticides increase the risk of experience disease conditions compared to short-term exposure

Acceptability of wastewater resource and its impact on crop production in Tanzania: the case of Dodoma, Morogoro and Mvomero wastewater stabilization ponds

Kivukoni Journal 2013, 1(2)The study was carried out to assess the views of urban farmers in relation to acceptability of wastewater resource in agriculture and examine its impact for crop production. A total of 200 respondents were involved in this study. The study found that 90% of the 112 households using wastewater and 85% of the 88 households not using the resource indicated effluents from WSPs as main and reliable source of water for irrigation. Wastewater utilization in agriculture was accepted by 97.3% of farmers using wastewater and 64.8% of farmers not using it and the difference was significant (p<0.01). The study found that on average farmers utilizing wastewater produced 4.5 bags of rice per acre more than farmers not utilizing wastewater and the difference was significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, wastewater utilization in agriculture was accepted by both groups of farmers engaging in agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas and that high crop yield was realized by farmers utilizing wastewater in agriculture . Since some respondents indicated that the resource may have health effects to farmers and consumers of the produce, it is recommended that, more research on microbial analysis be carried out to establish evidence of health effects associated with the use of wastewater in agriculture from infectious agent