Browsing by Author "Ijumba, Jasper"

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Effects of wastewater characteristics on fish quality from integrated wastewater treatment system and fish farming in Urban Areas, Tanzania
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2014-09-10) Mkali, Ahamdi; Ijumba, Jasper; Njau, Karoli
Availability of suitable water is one of the most important limiting factors for development of sustainable aquaculture in the urban areas. As a consequence, the use of wastewater effluents for aquaculture is on the rise in developing countries, Tanzania being one of the implementing country; quality of fish from such environments becomes questionable for human consumption. Clarius gariepinus were raised in selected Wastewater Stabilization Ponds (WSPs) at Moshi Municipal (Maturation two (M 2), four (M 4), six (M 6), fish pond (FP) and Lake Duluti (LD as Control site) for ninety days to investigate fish contamination (heavy metals and microbial) and body composition. Among all seven selected heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Mo, Cr, As, Zn and Pb) only four (Hg, Cd, Cr and Zn) were detected in analyzed fish and water samples, while (Pb, Mo and As) was below detection limits of X-Ray Fluorescence (Spectro xepos –EDXRF) analyzer. The results revealed that fish sample had higher concentration of detected metals than water samples from all treatments except for Hg of water sample from M2 and M4 was higher than fish sample and above the permissible limits by WHO. There was variation in crude protein and crude fat in analyzed fish samples from all treatments site. The fish reared in M4 contain higher percentage of crude protein (81.36) and crude fat (18.45) than other treatments. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in fish samples from all treatments with number of counts was within standards, while Salmonella spp was only present in M2. Results from this study reveals that with proper management, maturation ponds can be used for fish production but maturation two should be abandoned for fish farming due to high metals and microbial contamination. Public awareness on the dangers to which fish consumers from the site are exposed is highly suggested and purposeful mitigation measures of stopping all fishing activities in these sites is needed until further study on quality of indigenous fish accomplished.
Elevating larval source management as a key strategy for controlling malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Africa
(BMC, 2025-02-07) Okumu, Fredros; Moore, Sarah; Selvaraj, Prashanth; Yafin, Arnon; Juma, Elijah; Shirima, GloriaSalome; Majambere, Silas; Hardy, Andy; Knols, Bart; Msugupakulya, Betwel; Finda, Marceline; Kahamba, Najat; Thomsen, Edward; Ahmed, Ayman; Zohdy, Sarah; Chaki, Prosper; DeChant, Peter; Fornace, Kimberly; Govella, Nicodem; Gowelo, Steven; Hakizimana, Emmanuel; Hamainza, Busiku; Ijumba, Jasper; Jany, William; Kafy, Hmooda; Kaindoa, Emmanuel; Kariuki, Lenson; Kiware, Samson; Kweka, Eliningaya; Lobo, Neil; Marrenjo, Dulcisária; Matoke-Muhia, Damaris; Mbogo, Charles; McCann, Robert; Monroe,n April; Ndenga, Bryson; Ngowo, Halfan; Ochomo, Eric; Opiyo, Mercy; Reithinger, Richard; Sikaala, Chadwick; Tatarsky, Allison; Takudzwa, David; Trujillano, Fedra; Sherrard-Smith, Ellie
Larval source management (LSM) has a long history of advocacy and successes but is rarely adopted where funds are limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on malaria prevention recommend the use of LSM as a supplementary intervention to the core vector control methods (insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying), arguing that its feasibility in many settings can be limited by larval habitats being numerous, transient, and difficult to find or treat. Another key argument is that there is insufficient high-quality evidence for its effectiveness to support wide-scale implementation. However, the stagnation of progress towards malaria elimination demands that we consider additional options to the current emphasis on insecticidal commodities targeting adult mosquitoes inside homes. This letter is the result of a global, crossdisciplinary collaboration comprising: (a) detailed online expert discussions, (b) a narrative review of countries that have eliminated local malaria transmission, and (c) a mathematical modeling exercise using two different approaches. Together, these efforts culminated in seven key recommendations for elevating larval source management as a strategy for controlling malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in Africa (Box 1). LSM encompasses the use of larvicide (a commodity) as well as various environmental sanitation measures. Together, these efforts lead to the long-term reduction of mosquito populations, which benefits the entire community by controlling both disease vector and nuisance mosquitoes. In this paper, we argue that the heavy reliance on large-scale cluster-randomized controlled trials (CRTs) to generate evidence on epidemiological endpoints restricts the recommendation of approaches to only those interventions that can be measured by functional units and deliver relatively uniform impact and, therefore, are more likely to receive financial support for conducting these trials. The explicit impacts of LSM may be better captured by using alternative evaluation approaches, especially high-quality operational data and a recognition of locally distinct outcomes and tailored strategies. LSM contributions are also evidenced by the widespread use of LSM strategies in nearly all countries that have successfully achieved malaria elimination. Two modelling approaches demonstrate that a multifaceted strategy, which incorporates LSM as a central intervention alongside other vector control methods, can effectively mitigate key biological threats such as insecticide resistance and outdoor biting, leading to substantial reductions in malaria cases in representative African settings. This argument is extended to show that the available evidence is sufficient to establish the link between LSM approaches and reduced disease transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses. What is needed now is a significant boost in the financial resources and public health administration structures necessary to train, employ and deploy local-level workforces tasked with suppressing mosquito populations in scientifically driven and ecologically sensitive ways. In conclusion, having WHO guidelines that recognize LSM as a key intervention to be delivered in multiple contextualized forms would open the door to increased flexibility for funding and aid countries in implementing the strategies that they deem appropriate. Financially supporting the scale-up of LSM with high-quality operations monitoring for vector control in combination with other core tools can facilitate better health. The global health community should reconsider how evidence and funding are used to support LSM initiatives.
Environmental Contamination By Radionuclides And Heavy Metals Through The Application Of Phosphate RocksDuring Farming And Mathematical Modeling Of Their Impacts To The Ecosystem
(nternational Journal of Engineering Research and General Science, 2014-07) Lema, Meserecordias; Ijumba, Jasper; Njau, Karoli; Ndakidemi, Patrick
Most of rock phosphates contain radioactive elements and heavy metals because theyoriginate from phosphate deposits. The application of these rock phosphates may result to the transfer of these dangerous materials into the ecosystem. Once these dangerous minerals become readily available for plants uptake and for animal consumptions, negative impacts may prevail, both to plants and animals esp. human beings.This review focuses on the environmental contamination by radioactive elements and heavy metals as a result of the application of rock phosphates during farming and the need to develop a mathematical model that can be used to predictthe associated impacts to the ecosystem.
Heavy metals risk assessment of water and sediments collected from selected river tributaries of the Mara River in Tanzania
(Springer Nature, 2021-06-25) Nkinda, Mihayo; Rwiza, Mwemezi; Ijumba, Jasper; Njau, Karoli
This study investigated the levels of Pb, Hg, Cr, Cd, and As in water and sediments from the tributaries of the Mara River, Tanzania. Pollution risk of water and sediments was investigated using seven indices and fve metals. During the dry period, the highest concentration of Pb, Hg, Cr, Cd, and As in sediments was 17.45 ±1.22, 0.01, 1.56±0.5, 1.3±0.09, and 30.81±0.02 mg/kg, respectively. During the wet period, the highest concentration of Pb, Hg, Cr, Cd, and As in sediments was 4.37±0.28, 0.012, 2.58±0.57, 2.25±0.35, and 53±0.02 mg/kg, respectively. For surface water, the respective highest concentrations of Pb, Hg, Cr, Cd, and As were 0.76±0.09, 0.04, 0.68±0.09, 0.74±0.1, and 0.47±0.06 mg/L for the dry period. The wet period max concentrations for Pb, Hg, Cr, Cd, and As in surface water were 0.56, 0.03, 0.55±0.03, 0.48±0.03, and 0.4±0.03 mg/L, respectively. Principal component analysis results indicated dominant loadings for Pb and As in sediments during the dry period. Comparison of sediment concentrations with sediment quality guidelines revealed that As and Cd were enriched. Correlation coefcient results indicated that As had a strong negative correlation with the rest of the elements in sediments during the dry period. In the wet period, As had a signifcant correlation with Cd (r=0.92, p<0.01) in sediments. The analysis of environmental risks indicated signifcant enrichment of sediments with As and Cd. It is important to put in place relevant control mechanisms targeting metals in the studied tributaries, with a focus on As and Cd.
Population size estimates and distribution of the African elephant using the dung surveys method in Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania
(International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2016-06) Mwambola, Simon; Ijumba, Jasper; Kibasa, Wickson; Masenga, Emmanuel; Eblate, Ernest; Munishi, Linus
A study to estimate population size and distribution of elephants in the Rubondo Island National Park (RINP) was conducted between March and July 2014. It involved elephant dung survey methods. In estimating elephant dung pile density, a total of 217 dung piles were enumerated in 58 transects (each 1 km). The on-site dung decay rate computed from 100 marked fresh dung piles was estimated to be 0.01542 per day. By combining estimated dung pile density, on-site decay rate and defecation rate of 17 dung piles per day, the study found an estimate of about 102 elephants (95% CI, 72-144). Furthermore, results of this study indicate that, elephants were found to be more concentrated on the central and northern zones, which are the areas of the park that have some open glades allowing elephant to access the area easily to lake shores. The information generated from the study can be incorporated into setting up future management strategies for elephant conservation in RINP.
Quantitative assessment of metal contamination and associated pollution risk in sediments from the Mara River in Tanzania
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG., 2020-10-21) Nkinda, Mihayo; Rwiza, Mwemezi; Ijumba, Jasper; Njau, Karoli
For most rivers in sub-Saharan Africa, information about pollution indices related to sediments is sparse. Sedimentological research of rivers that empty into Lake Victoria is highly patchy and wide apart. The present study determined the levels and associated risk of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb in sediments collected from four different sites along the Mara River that empties into Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Samples were collected in the dry and rainy months in 2019. Pollution indices, namely geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), modified contamination degree (mCd), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk factor (Eri), and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to evaluate the influence of heavy metal contamination in sediments. Dry month mean concentrations, in milligram per kilogram, of heavy metals were as follows: As (11.04 ± 0.13), Cr (1.02 ± 0.29), Cd (0.43 ± 0.05), and Hg (0.01) in the dry month. Respective sediment heavy metal concentrations for the rainy month were 22.22 ± 0.05 mg As/kg, 3.84 ± 0.34 mg Pb/kg, 1.53 ± 0.15 mg Cd/kg, 1.43 mg Cr/kg, and 0.03 mg Hg/kg. Generally, the risk indices showed high values in the rainy month and low values in the dry month, especially for As and Cd—an indication of anthropogenic influence. Correlation coefficient analysis for Pb and Cd showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.01)—this may suggest a similar source or similar transport behavior. Special attention needs to be paid with regard to rainy season As and Cd enrichment in the study area.
Regeneration of fluoride-saturated bone char by means of wood ash and heat
(International Society for Fluoride Research, Inc, 2016-12-08) Lukikoa, King; Machunda, Revocatus; Ijumba, Jasper
The regeneration of fluoride ion (F)-saturated bone char with different concentrations of wood ash in distilled water and by heating was investigated. Samples of 100 g of regenerated bone char were added into plastic containers containing 250 mL of natural water with 6.5 mg F/L collected from a borehole. The water was sampled at 30 min intervals for F analysis using an ion selective fluoride meter. The results indicated that the highest F removal efficiencies with the 2, 4, 6, and 8% wood ash concentrations were approximately 83, 84, 86, and 87%, respectively. The F removal efficiencies of the bone char when it was regenerated by heating for 3, 4, and 5 hr were 86, 89, and 89%, respectively. It is suggested that regenerating bone char with wood ash may be a better choice than regeneration with heating because the wood ash is locally available, easy to use in a household, and it does not demand an energy input. In contrast, regeneration by heating might encourage the cutting down of trees. We found that 2% wood ash, with a fluoride removal efficiency of 83%, is the best means for regenerating bone char because it can deliver an effluent with acceptable pH values for human consumption.