Browsing by Author "Lebbie, Sahr"

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Analysis of Physico-chemical Parameters to Evaluate the Drinking Water Quality Between Two Districts Kambia and Tonkolili in Sierra Leone
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-02-10) Lebbie, Sahr
The aim of the study was to compare the physico-chemical characteristics of drinking water quality in two districts in Sierra Leone. Water samples were collected for three months (September to November) across five sampling locations. These samples were then examined for a number of physico-chemical characteristics, including temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, residual chlorine, aluminum, copper, fluoride, iron, arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, and mercury. The statistical values for the following parameters above were found to be within the WHO permissible values for both the Tonkolili and Kambia districts. However, some parameters exceeded the recommended WHO permissible limit for drinking water in the two districts: arsenic (2.36mg/l and 0.27mg/l), cadmium (3.69mg/l and 6.63), lead (3.03mg/l and 6.64mg/l), and mercury (1.21mg/l and 2.19mg/l) for Tonkolili and Kambia districts respectively, although the statistical standard deviation is very negligible for all four parameters. In terms of comparison between the two districts, the statistical values for salinity (0.00ppt and 0.00ppt) and iron (0.05mg/l and 0.35mg/l) for both Tonkolili and Kambia districts are within the WHO permissible limit for the samples collected in the Tonkolili district, while the samples collected in the Kambia district exceeded the recommended WHO permissible limit for the two parameters. Moreover, the statistical value for copper (4.44mg/l) exceeded the WHO standard for the samples collected in the Tonkolili district, while the samples collected from the Kambia district are found within the WHO standard for copper (0.002mg/l). conclusively, this study found that all water samples collected and examined in the two districts are safe and fit for drinking and domestic purposes. The author recommends that there should be regular monitoring and treatment (for instance, chlorinating) of the hand-dug wells and tap waters and also that other researchers undertake further studies in different seasons and also to consider other water quality parameters like the bacteriological parameters, radiological materials, etc.
Assessment of the Quality of Sachet (Packaged) Water Consumed in Kono District, Sierra Leone
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-10-09) Lebbie, Sahr
A significant priority in developing countries, including Sierra Leone, is access to clean and safe drinking water, which is largely unavailable. Packaged water, often sold in sachets, is increasingly filling this gap, particularly in urban areas. However, public health concerns persist due to a lack of stringent regulations and monitoring to ensure compliance with water quality standards. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological quality of sachet drinking water from five companies in Kono District, Sierra Leone. Standard laboratory analyses were performed on water samples, and consumer perceptions were gathered via questionnaires. While the physical and chemical properties of the sachet water brands generally complied with Sierra Leone Ministry of Water Resources (MWR-SL) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards, bacteriological quality, specifically aerobic plate counts, exceeded these standards in most samples. Only Good Family Pure Water company met all MWR-SL and WHO permissible standards. Consumer preference analysis revealed Good Family Pure Water was favored by 54.5% of respondents, followed by Janneh Spring Water (15%), Diamond Pure Water (12%), Hali Fresh Water (10.5%), and Nimi Hills Spring Water (8%). Good Family Pure Water also ranked highest in perceived quality, aligning with laboratory results. The study recommended that sachet water companies in Sierra Leone adhere strictly to hygiene standards to prevent product contamination, ensuring public safety and a healthier population, thereby reducing the need for resource allocation towards disease control.
Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Drinking Water Quality in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-10-09) Lebbie, Sahr
This study evaluates the physico-chemical quality of drinking water from various sources in Magburaka Town, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, to identify potential health risks associated with water consumption. Water samples were collected from five sources, including hand-dug wells, taps, and streams, during a three-month period encompassing the dry and wet seasons. The samples were analyzed for key parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of heavy metals and other chemical contaminants. The results highlighted variations in water quality across different sources, with some samples exhibiting parameters outside the acceptable limits set by WHO guidelines. Specifically, concerns were noted regarding elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and zinc, which pose health risks upon prolonged exposure. The study emphasizes the impact of local environmental factors, such as mining activities and agricultural runoff, on water quality. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of adequate water treatment and proper sanitation practices to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated water. The findings advocate for improved water management policies, routine monitoring, and community education on water safety. This research contributes valuable data to inform interventions aimed at enhancing water quality and safeguarding public health in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural and semi-urban settings where reliance on untreated water sources remains high. Overall, the study underscores the critical need for sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development to address waterborne health hazards in the region, the research therefore recommends that further researchers should embark on a comparative study on the correlation and a clear cut of laboratory analysis on drinking water quality in other cities and its associated diseases.
Evaluation of the Healthcare Waste Management at 34 Military Hospital, Sierra Leone
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-07-16) Lebbie, Sahr
The rapid growth of the world population and corresponding rapid global development in medicine have caused an increase in the amount of healthcare waste generated in health facilities, hence causing many problems for the public health and environment of many communities. Healthcare waste management is an integral part of the hygiene and infection control within a healthcare facility because its mismanagement leads to nosocomial infections. The specific objectives of this research were to identify types of healthcare waste segregation, to evaluate the degree of safety of healthcare handlers, to know the quantity of healthcare waste, and to know methods of treatment and disposal. Results from the study showed that the calculated volumes of the non-infectious (general), infectious (including pathological waste), and highly infectious (sharps) are 20,000 m3, 35,000m3 and 13,125m3 respectively, and a total volume of 68,125 m3 of healthcare waste is generated per week. These wastes were not segregated properly and were treated together in an enclosed incinerator with no proper measures. Statistical tests done showed that the quantity of wastes and the safety practices of service providers are associated with a high risk of infection. This showed that the public health and the environment can be negatively impacted. Furthermore, the government and its partners are making some effort to see an improvement in healthcare waste management at 34 Military Hospital; however, healthcare waste is still a major problem for healthcare providers, patients, public health, and the environment. Notwithstanding, various measures are needed to be considered in order to minimize these problems, including proper education and training for healthcare providers, provision of standard waste management equipment, consulting foreign expertise, adhering to color-coding according to INWMP, and public education.