Institute of Environmental Management and Quality Control
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.njala.edu.sl/handle/20.500.144402/148
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Item Occurrences, distribution of PCBs in urban soil and management of old transformers dumpsite in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(Elsevier BV, 2020-02-24) Debela, Sisay AbebePolychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are Persistent toxic substances with a high potential to accumulate in soil as organic pollutant and bioaccumulate in human tissues. In the current study, conducted in 2019, 45 composites (0–20 cm) soil samples were collected from 9 sampling sites that are situated in an area that is being used as a maintenance workshop and dump site of transformers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The extraction and cleanup of samples was done using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) with Pressurized Liquid extraction (PLE). The analysis was done using GC/MS to determine levels and distribution of PCBs, and a checklist was used to assess existing management practice of the site. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 and Origin pro 9.1. The result of the 18∑PCBs concentration is 17.16 mg kg−1. The range (in dry weight) of 18∑PCBs, Dioxin-Like (DL) 12∑PCBs, and Non Dioxin-Like (NDL) 6∑PCBs, is 1.027 to 4.862; 0.561 to 1.603; and 0.166 – 4.5 mg kg−1 respectively. The most dominant congeners are lower chlorinated PCBs. The distribution of total PCBs concentrations was found to be different in the entire sample tested but with a similar congener's pattern. Transformers and capacitors were observed to be improperly dumped in open fields, a condition that directly exposed them to the severity of rain and sunlight. The Soil surface around the transformer area had cracks, and literally burnt which is an indication of the degree of pollution of the soil. There is poor management in handling of oil and equipment containing PCBs. It was observed oil was leaking from transformers and barrel, and oil tankers to the open space which may cause leachate. It is important that projects are initiated to remediate the soil in the area to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all. It will be necessary to organize training programmes for workers at the sites on the safe handling and disposal of PCB related materials.Item Mapping Academic Literature on Governing Inclusive Green Growth in Africa: Geographical Biases and Topical Gaps(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2020-03-04) Cooper, AdamA strong indigenous capacity for credible, salient and legitimate knowledge production is crucial to support African countries in developing their economies and societies inclusively and sustainably. In this article, we aim to quantify the current and historic capacity for African knowledge production to support the green economy in Africa, and identify important topical gaps. With a focus on topics relating to Governing Inclusive Green Growth in Africa (GIGGA), our research mapped how much Africa-focused research is being produced, from where and which African countries have higher or lower supply; and the topical focus of the research, mapping it against the African GIGGA policy discourses visible in government strategies. To do this we undertook a systematic review using a two-stage process, mapping the literature for GIGGA. This resulted in 960 verified citations. Content analysis of core metadata and article abstracts enabled mapping of the research focus. The analysis revealed a significant role for South Africa as both the pre-eminent producer of GIGGA literature as well as the geographic focus of GIGGA research, with Nigeria, Ethiopia and Kenya representing emerging loci of credible, African-relevant knowledge production. Topically, there was a strong emphasis on development, policy and environment while topics important for growth that is inclusive in character were infrequent or absent. Overall the results reinforced the view that investment is needed in research on inclusive green growth, linked to capacity building for knowledge production systems in Africa. Furthermore, from a policy perspective, policy makers and academics need to actively explore best to collaborate to ensure that academic research informs government policy.Item Utilizing Geospatial Tools to Assign Unique Identifiers to Water Bodies in a Low-Income Country(Scientific Research Publishing, 2021) Mansaray, Abubakarr SidiqueInland waters support the growth of several sectors including mining, agriculture, and health. This makes it crucial to have sustainable quantity and quality through conservation practices. Achieving sustainability requires information on the spatial distribution of water bodies. This requirement is particularly critical in low-income nations where dependence on natural resources is a key driver to economic growth. Unfortunately, these nations lack the resources to promote costly waterbody characterization. This study pre-sents a cost-effective approach in assigning Unique Identifiers (UIDs) that define locations and characteristics of rivers and streams. Our objective is to develop a scheme that can be used to identify and characterize rivers and streams in a nation. We utilized an open-source Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of NASA’s ASTER satellite and the hydrology tool in ArcGIS 10.7.1. The DEM was imported to ArcGIS followed by delineation of hydrologic regions, subregions, and stream orders. Each stream segment was given a UID based on its region and Strahler’s stream order system. We present a case study analysis for two regions within Sierra Leone using water quality data of selected rivers and streams. These will lay the foundation for a nationwide coding exercise and provide a useful reference for water resource practitioners.Item Microplastics in manure: Sources, analytical methods, toxicodynamic, and toxicokinetic endpoints in livestock and poultry(Elsevier BV, 2023-04-29) Sheriff, IshmailMicroplastics are pollutants of serious environmental and public health concern. Although predominantly known to occur in environmental and biological matrices, emerging scientific evidence has indicated that they can also occur in fecal matter. Animal manure, both raw and treated, is usually applied on farmlands as organic fertilizer, serving as an entry point of microplastic particles into agricultural soil. The present study analyzes the literature on the occurrence of microplastics (sources and analytical methods of detection in livestock and poultry manure), their toxicodynamic, and toxicokinetics endpoints in farm animals. Based on the studies examined herein, there is a lack of harmonization in the sampling, digestion, and extraction procedures for microplastics in animal manure. Microplastics abundance was 9.02 × 102 ± 1.29 × 103 particles/kg-1 in pig, 7.40 × 101 ± 1.29 × 102 particles/kg-1 in cow, 0 to 5000 particles/kg−1 in sheep, and 129.8 ± 82.3 particles/g−1 (0.1298 particles/kg) in chicken manure. Microplastics that have been found in farm animal manure were primarily ingested from microplastics-contaminated feed and plastic mulching film attached to crop residues. However, there are other likely sources (e.g., water, soil, and air) that need to be studied carefully. Despite the limited studies on the fate of microplastics in raw manure, the weight of the currently available scientific evidence shows that they exhibit different characteristics during the treatment of manure. The previous studies were all based on composting experiments. Therefore, research on different treatment methods is required to have a profound sense and a better understanding of the influence of physicochemical properties (shape, size, type, and composition) of microplastics on their fate during manure treatment. Moreover, exposure of animals to microplastics revealed several toxicological effects but more research is needed to clearly understand the dose-response relationship, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination mechanisms with respect to other factors (microplastic sizes, shapes, polymers, types of additive, and co-contaminants).Item Synthesis of mullite ceramics from powdered mine tailings reinforced with Al 2 O 3(Wiley, 2024-10-03) Kamara, SaiduMullite is an aluminosilicate compound that can be fabricated from various sources of raw materials. Mullite (α) was synthesized from six different mine tailings reinforced with alumina. The tailings were finely ground into powder to determine their chemical components using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopic technologies. Silica was discovered in all the tailings in significant quantities followed by alumina (high purity α‐alumina). 50 g of the first sample which composed 68.8 w(M)/10 −2 of SiO 2 and 13.2 w(M)/10 −2 of Al 2 O 3 was measured, reinforced with 81.1 g of Al 2 O 3 and subjected to a high‐energy ball mill for 30 min to enhance the reaction between SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 . The process was repeated for all six powdered tailings. Each mixture was sintered at 1100°C and 1200°C in a muffle furnace for 4 hours at a heating rate of 10°C/min. The sintered materials were characterized using SEM, EDS, XRD, and FTIR techniques. Results and analysis show a significant amount of prismatic α‐mullite formed in all six sintered samples. The formation of mullite crystals was observed to increase with an increase in temperature from 1100°C to 1200°C. The phenomenal fabrication of mullite from mine tailings is significant in ceramic technology.Item DISRUPTIONS IN LIVELIHOODS, HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND HEALTH OUTCOMES IN WEST AFRICA DURING EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS(2024-04-29) Ansumana, RashidBackground Outbreaks of infectious diseases like Ebola virus disease, Lassa fever, and COVID-19 have severely strained infrastructural systems and social services across West Africa. We investigated the disruptions caused by emerging outbreaks on access to healthcare, health outcomes, and livelihoods in West Africa. Method A mixed-methods approach was utilized, conducting extensive studies in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions. Using a device-to-cloud system guided by GIS for randomized sampling across the four nations, this technique allowed us to comprehensively analyze implications across imposed lifestyle changes on health and wellbeing due to disrupted healthcare. Results Our findings indicate drastic shifts in food consumption patterns and healthcare access. In Guinea, self-reported “Once Daily” meals astonishingly surged from 148 to 775 individuals (p<0.001), with analogous substantial increases observed in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria exhibited a varied response, with notable rises both in “Once Daily” and “Twice Daily” meal frequencies (p<0.001), reflecting broad dietary adaptations out of necessity. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in consumption of traditional protein sources like bushmeat, beef, and mutton, mainly because of disrupted supply chains and heightened concerns over food insecurity. Conversely, fish consumption slightly fell possibly due to its perceived safety or accessibility amidst the outbreak. Healthcare services faced severe disruptions, particularly acute in Sierra Leone and Liberia compared to Guinea and Nigeria. The interruption of services drastically impacted everything from immunization rates to mental health, with a rise in reported anxiety and depression alongside public dissatisfaction towards the healthcare disruptions. Conclusion This study demonstrates the dramatic effects of infectious disease outbreaks on health access and diets in West Africa. The research calls for integrating health initiatives with social protection to strengthen the resilience of societies to meet all types of health challenges. It is imperative districts establish robust health systems and social security mechanisms to counter future public health crises.Item Assessment of the Healthcare Waste Infrastructure at Kambia Government Hospital, Sierra Leone(Science Publishing Group, 2024-11-26) Kamara, AbubakarrThis study assessed the healthcare waste management (HCWM) infrastructure at Kambia Government Hospital (KGH), Sierra Leone. We evaluated various aspects of HCWM, including waste segregation, storage, collection, transportation, and disposal. Our findings revealed critical deficiencies, such as inadequate storage facilities, insufficient waste bins, and a lack of dedicated transportation systems. These shortcomings pose significant risks to healthcare workers, the general public, and the environment, including the potential for the spread of infectious diseases and contamination of the environment. To improve HCWM practices at KGH, we recommend implementing several key strategies. These include investing in adequate storage facilities, providing appropriate waste bins, establishing a dedicated waste transportation system, and conducting comprehensive staff training on HCWM protocols. Regular training sessions should cover topics such as waste classification, segregation, storage, collection, transportation, and disposal techniques. By empowering healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can significantly enhance HCWM practices at KGH. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish a robust system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of HCWM interventions. Regular inspections of storage areas, waste bins, and transportation vehicles can help identify and address potential issues. By implementing these recommendations, KGH can improve its HCWM practices and contribute to a healthier and safer environment for its community. Effective HCWM is essential to protect public health and the environment. Poor management of healthcare waste can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, contamination of water sources, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. By addressing the identified deficiencies and implementing best practices, KGH can significantly improve its HCWM performance and reduce the associated risks.Item The impact of advanced technologies on healthcare supply chain performance in Sierra Leone: a structural equation modelling approach(Taylor & Francis, 2025-10-18) Kargbo, SallieuThis study systematically examines the role of advanced technologies in enhancing healthcare logistics within Sierra Leone's dynamic landscape, focusing on operational efficiency, supply chain resilience, product integrity, and timely delivery of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Analyzing data from 16 district hospitals, including 625 validated responses from healthcare professionals (a 78% response rate), we employed a mixed-methods approach (surveys and interviews) to triangulate findings, paired with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for quantitative analysis. Key findings reveal distinct technology-performance relationships: specifically, AI-driven inventory management systems reduced stockouts by 42% (β = 0.38, p < 0.01) in high-adoption facilities such as Connaught Hospital. These results highlight how targeted technological integration addresses critical logistics challenges in resource-constrained settings, while offering actionable insights to optimize healthcare delivery through enhanced operational efficiency and service reliability.Item MICROPLASTICS AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA(World Scientific, 2025-04-26) KAMANDA, JOHN KOWAThis review examines the dual threats of microplastic pollution and climate change on African marine ecosystems, synthesizing current knowledge to assess their sources, impacts, and synergistic effects. Microplastics, pervasive due to inadequate waste management and rapid urbanization, infiltrate marine environments, adsorbing toxins and disrupting biodiversity, while climate change exacerbates their distribution and toxicity through rising temperatures and extreme weather. The study revealed that despite Africa contributing 7.8% of the global riverine plastics, research remains fragmented, with only 22.9% of African countries studied, and inconsistent methodologies and policy frameworks often lack the integration of climate adaptation and pollution mitigation. Case studies from Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa highlight successful mitigation strategies, including regulatory frameworks, recycling initiatives, and bioremediation. Key recommendations include advancing research on microplastics–climate interactions, hybrid policies, AI-enhanced monitoring, strengthening waste management infrastructure, fostering regional collaboration, and prioritizing innovative circular economy approaches to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Addressing these challenges requires urgent, coordinated action to mitigate compounding risks and ensure sustainable marine conservation in Africa.Item Investigating disater risk management and climate change adaptation effectiveness in freetown, Sierra Leone(AOSIS, 2025-08-26) Sam-Mbomah, EdwinFreetown, Sierra Leone, faces increasing risks from hazards such as floods, landslides, mudslides, fires and coastal erosion, threats that are increasingly intensified by climate change. Although disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) policies are in place, concerns persist regarding their effectiveness. This study investigates the extent to which these policies have transitioned from good intentions to effective interventions in Freetown. Employing a case study approach, the research critically examines the disaster context, reviews relevant policy frameworks and implementation processes, and identifies both enablers and barriers to effective policy execution across five informal settlements, Kroo Bay, Susans Bay, Kulvert, Kolleh Town and Dwarzack. The findings reveal systemic deficiencies in DRM and CCA, including weak legal and institutional structures, poor inter-agency coordination, inadequate enforcement, limited access to data, and ineffective risk communication. Further obstacles include insufficient community engagement, the absence of legal mechanisms for resolving DRM and CCA related disputes, corruption, political instability, underinvestment in research and technology, and inadequate urban planning. The study recommends strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, promoting integrated collaborative planning processes, and supporting community-led resilience initiatives. Key priorities include enhancing risk assessments, developing robust early warning systems (EWS), improving urban planning, and fostering innovation through research and technology. Contribution: The study identifies key measures for effective DRM and CCA in Freetown, including community inclusion, capacity building, financial mechanisms, data management, risk communication, and resilient infrastructure development, especially for "at-risk" communities.
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