Impact of Disposal of Hospital Waste into Nworie River in Imo State Nigeria
[1]
Chioma C. Okore , Biology Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo-State, Nigeria.
[2]
Ogechukwu N. Mbanefo , Biology Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo-State, Nigeria.
[3]
Bright C. Onyekwere , Chemistry Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo-State, Nigeria.
[4]
Simon C. Onyewenjo , Biology Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo-State, Nigeria.
[5]
Agaptus U. Ozurumba , Biology Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo-State, Nigeria.
[6]
Linda U. Nwaehiri , Biology Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo-State, Nigeria.
[7]
Faraday Nwagwu , Biology Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Imo-State, Nigeria.
This study evaluated the presence of pathogenic microorganisms influenced by improper hospital wastes disposal into Nworie River. The study results revealed that the disposal of untreated hospital wastes poses an environmental threat and public health risk. Indiscriminate disposal of untreated hospital wastes is often the cause of the spread of several infectious diseases. Standard biochemical tests were carried out to confirm the presence of the bacterial isolates. The bacteria and fungi isolated include Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholera, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella spp, Bacillus spp, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aspergillus spp, Penicullium spp, Sporothrix schenckii, Phycomycetes spp and Fusarium spp. The analyzed water samples revealed that there was higher microbial population in sample A (point of discharge) than the other samples. The statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference in the counts at the different sampling points. This is as a result of prolonged disposal of the hospital wastes into Nworie River. Escherichia coli was found to have the highest percentages occurrence and present in all the samples. Studies of water microbial assessments are therefore necessary to determine the extent of pollution so as to monitor likely health dangers, not only to the human population but also to the aquatic life. From the research result, it is recommended that to reduce the burden of diseases, healthcare hospital wastes need sound management, including alternatives to incineration. Also, re-orientation of political leaders, inspectors, environmental health officers and the general populace to ensure better public health
Hospital Wastes, Infectious Diseases, Nworie River, Pathogenic Microorganisms, Public Health
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