Browsing by Author "Rugaika, Anita"

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Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Hospital Wastewater
(Applied Microbiology, 2023-07-08) Karungamy, Petro; Rugaika, Anita; Mte, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in treated hospital wastewater effluents constitute a major environmental and public health concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance patterns of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wastewater effluent at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) in Dodoma, Tanzania. These bacteria were selected to represent the most prevalent gram-negative bacteria found in hospital wastewater, and they have the potential to generate resistance and spread resistance genes to antibiotics. The wastewater BMH is treated in a Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being released into the environment. The bacteria were isolated from wastewater effluent collected at the outlet of the CW. Isolated bacteria were analyzed for antibiotic resistance by disc diffusion method. Molecular identification of bacterial species was performed by using 16S rRNA. The results show that Klebsiella ssp. was the most common isolate detected, with a prevalence of 39.3%, followed by E. coli (27.9%) and Pseudomonas ssp. (18.0%). Klebsiella ssp. were more resistant than Pseudomonas ssp. for Tetracycline, Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin, and Sulfamethoxazole. Pseudomonas ssp. were more resistant than Klebsiella ssp. for Ceftriaxone and Azithromycin. Klebsiella ssp. harbored more resistance genes (40%), followed by Pseudomonas ssp. (35%) and E. coli (20%). The findings of this investigation indicate that the effluent from the CW requires additional treatment to reduce discharged ARB and ARGs in the receiving water bodies. As a result, the effluent quality of the CW should be continuously monitored and assessed, and further developments for treating the final effluent are necessary.
Assessing the Performance of Constructed Wetland for Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Using Sugarcane Molasses as a Carbon Source
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2025-04-22) Buddy, Zainabu; Njau, Oscar; Rugaika, Anita; Njau, Karoli
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a widespread environmental issue at mining sites globally. AMD is caused by pyrite oxidation which produces an acidic discharge > 2500 mg/L of sulfate, dissolved heavy metals at high amounts and low pH (2 - 4.5). AMD has serious health impact on living organisms. The present study aimed to assess the performance of locally available, high-organic matter containing by-products, specifically sugarcane molasses (SCM), as a carbon source for AMD treatment. In batch experiments containing SCM and control, 99% sulfate and nitrate reductions were reached. Heavy metal removal efficiencies > 94% were achieved for Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, in the SCM inoculated columns, while efficiencies > 42% were recorded in the control columns. The column experiments removed 99% of the initial Al concentrations but were not very effective in COD reduction to acceptable limits. The findings reported by this study verify that high carbon containing substrates can be used to remediate metal and sulfate contaminated water in mining areas.
The Assessment of Heavy Metals and Natural Radioactivity in the Phosphate Tailings at Minjingu Mines in Tanzania
(Journal of Ecological Engineering, 2024-04-12) Mdach, Daniel; Rugaika, Anita; Machunda, Revocatus
Extraction and processing of the phosphate rocks has produced a massive amount of waste and posed a significant environmental concern. The majority of wastes generated in the fertiliser industry are overburden or waste rocks from mining, and phosphate tailings (PTs) or phosphogyp-sum from the beneficiation process. Phosphate rock mining and beneficiation expose heavy metals and radionuclides into the environment, which are harmful to living things. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration levels of heavy metals and radionuclides ac- tivity in the phosphate tailings at Minjingu mines in northen of Tanzania. Heavy metals content and radionu-clide activity concentration were determined using energy dispersive X-ray fluoresence spectroscopy (ED-XRF) and high pure garmin energy detector (HPGe), respectively. The concentra-tion of heavy metals investigated ranges: Cu – 12.9–27.3 mg·kg-1, Fe – 7944.2–19052.2) mg·kg-1, Mn – 410.9–474) mg·kg-1, Ni – 1.9–13.2) mg·kg-1, Al – 3597–13129.2) mg·kg-1, Zn – 195.2–281.7) mg·kg-1, Pb – 0.7–4.5) mg·kg-1 and As – 2.7–11.3) mg·kg-1. The result revealed that, the concentration level of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Ni, As, and Pb) are below the permissible level while concentration level for Zn has high concentration compared to permissible level limit. However, the activ- ity concentration of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were ranging from 311 to 7,606 Bqkg-1, 207 to 654 Bqkg-1 and 131 to 762 Bqkg-1, respectively. The reported results of activity concentration of radionuclides are found to be higher compared to the recommended world value. The study results will be used as a guide for decision making in addressing problems observed in phosphate tailings, including radiation safety standards for workers and envi- ronmental systems in phosphate mines
Assessment of resistant Escherichia coli in groundwater sources and sanitary inspection for contamination risk in Bagamoyo, Tanzania
(Research square, 2024-03-16) Mduda, Joram; Msuya, Hajirani; Rugaika, Anita; Mzee, Tutu; Laizer, Tajiri; Mkindi, Catherine; Kimaro, Esther
Background Two billion people globally are using faecal-contaminated water. E. coli poses a health risk due to its potential to cause diseases which highlights the need for understanding its antimicrobial resistance profile and associated factors for contamination. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bagamoyo district council that involved 163 groundwater sources with sanitary inspection and isolation of E. coli was conducted using a Membrane filtration method and CHROMagar CCA. In this study, antibiotic susceptibility was carried out according to CLSI guidelines by disk diffusion methods. E. coli strain ATCC 25922 was used as the control strain in isolation and susceptibility tests. Results The current study found that 44.8% of groundwater samples were contaminated with E. coli, with 83.6% of isolates were resistant to antibiotics. High resistance was observed to cefazolin (56.16%), nitrofurantoin (54.79%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (45.21%), and ceftriaxone (42.47%). Also, the study reveals that 70% of E. coli isolates had multidrug resistance. On the other hand, sanitary inspection showed that 46.2% of dug wells were at a high sanitary risk level, 32.8% of tube wells with hand pumps were at High and low sanitary risk level, respectively and 73.3% of boreholes were at a low sanitary risk level. However, the study showed a high rate of E. coli contamination in boreholes at a low sanitary risk level. Also, tube wells with hand pumps and dug wells at high sanitary risk levels had a high rate of E. coli contamination. Moreover, resistant E. coli in groundwater across varying contamination risk levels revealed a significant prevalence of contamination.
Mass transfer approach and the designing of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland systems treating waste stabilisation pond effluent
(IWA Publishing, 2018-11-29) Rugaika, Anita; Kajunguri, Damian; Deun, Rob; Bruggen, Bart; Njau, Karoli
Pilot-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) that allowed wastewater to flow with high interstitial velocities in a controlled environment were used to evaluate the possibility of using mass transfer approach to design horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) treating waste stabilisation ponds (WSPs) effluent. Since CW design considers temperature which is irrelevant in tropics, mass transfer approach could improve the design. HSSF-CWs were operated in batch recycle mode as continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR) at different interstitial velocities. The overall removal rate constants of chemical oxygen demand (COD) at various interstitial velocities were evaluated in mesocosms that received pretreated domestic wastewater. The mean overall removal rate constants were 0.43, 0.69, 0.74 and 0.73 d−1 corresponding to interstitial velocities of 15.43, 36, 56.57 and 72 md−1, respectively. Results showed that the interstitial velocities up to 36 md−1 represented a range where mass transfer effect was significant and, above it, insignificant to the COD removal process. Since WSPs effluent has high flow rates and low organic load, it is possible to induce high interstitial velocities in a HSSF-CW treating this effluent, without clogging and overflow. The performance of these HSSF for tertiary treatment in tropical areas could be improved by considering flow velocity when designing.
Performance comparison of temperature-based and mass transfer-based horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland designs
(IWA Publishing, 2025-06-20) Rugaika, Anita; Bruggen, Bart; Njau, Karoli
Two similar horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) that only differ in the wastewater flow length were compared in terms of their performances. The HSSF-CW with a longer wastewater flow length has two baffles, implying that interstitial velocity was considered when designing the system. In contrast, the unbaffled HSSF-CW considered temperature when designing. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the two systems in the removal of biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen, and fecal coliform (FC). Baffled system effluent contained mean BOD levels (32 ± 13 mgO2/L), COD (47 ± 15 mgO2/L), ammonia nitrogen (28 ± 8 mgN/L), and FC (4.4 ± 0.2 log unit). Unbaffled system effluent contained mean BOD levels (38 ± 16 mg/L), COD (57 ± 20 mg/L), ammonia nitrogen (31 ± 8 mgN/L), and FC (5 ± 0.2 log unit). No significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two systems was observed for nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus reduction. In general, the performance of the baffled system was better than the unbaffled one, although both systems complied with the WHO discharge limit for the COD (60 mgO2/L). This confirms that the interstitial velocity is an important parameter in HSSF-CW designing in tropical countries.
Performance of constructed wetland integrated with sand filters for treating high turbid water for drinking
(IWA Publishing, 2017-03) Mtavangu, Stanslaus; Rugaika, Anita; Hilonga, Askwar; Njau, Karoli
The feasibility of constructed wetland integrated with sand filters (CW-SFs) for treating high turbid water for drinking was investigated. Turbid water of .1,000 NTU from Nadosaito dam in Monduli District, Tanzania was used. Along with turbidity; faecal coliform (FC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and nitrate removal were investigated. Furthermore, determination of optimal retention time for pollutants removal to acceptable levels was assessed at retention times of 0.5 to 5 days. Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSSFCW) was used as pretreatment stage prior to biosand or slow sand filters. Results showed that HSSFCW produced effluent turbidity of ,10–50 NTU at retention time of 3 days. Moreover, integrated CW-BSF needed a total retention time of 5 days to produce effluent of turbidity (0 NTU), FC (0 CFU/100 ml), COD (6.25 mg/L), TSS (0.5 mg/L) and nitrate (4.2 mg/L) whereas, CW-SSF needed 7 days to produce effluent of turbidity (0.6 NTU), FC (0 CFU/100 ml), COD (6.5 mg/L), TSS (1 mg/L) and nitrate (1.79 mg/L), which met drinking water standards of Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and World Health Organization (WHO). CW-BSF showed better performance than CW-SSF therefore, its application can enhance the availability of potable water in Tanzania rural communities.
The pharmaceutical disposal practices and environmental contamination: A review in East African countries
(Elsevier, 2022-11-24) Karungamye, Petro; Rugaika, Anita; Mtei, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
The aim of this review was to analyze the available information on methods used in disposing of unused or expired pharmaceuticals in East African countries and the possibility of environmental contamination. There are some concerns about how pharmaceutical wastes are disposed of and, because of their risks, it is a critical matter to examine. Improper pharmaceutical disposal is common in many countries, from home to hospitals. The review shows that, despite the presence of regulations and rules in developed and developing countries, this practice is still growing. Apart from the ecological effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment, antibiotic resistance is more likely where germs such as bacteria and fungi develop resistance to the drugs designed to kill them. One of significant source of pharmaceuticals into the environment is improper disposal. This review shows that improper pharmaceutical handling and disposal is a challenge in all East African countries. This poses a risk of environmental contamination, human health and developing antibiotic resistance. There is a need for more awareness enhancing, policy review and enforcement of laws to protect both human and environmental health.
Physicochemical and microbiological characterization and of hospital wastewater in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2023-08-25) Karungamye, Petro; Rugaika, Anita; Mtei, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
Given the complex composition of hospital wastewater and the high risk of initiating disease outbreaks, comprehensive monitoring and treatment of hospital wastewater are required to prevent social and environmental consequences. This study investigated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater from the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Tanzania. The wastewater from this hospital is treated in a horizontal flow Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being discharged into the environments. Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet from 02nd May 2022 to 25th July 2022. The results shows that the effluent discharged had pH 7.48 ± 0.63, electrical conductivity 2441 ± 623 µS/cm, Total dissolved solids 1305.5 ± 396 mg/L, Total suspended solids 49.17 ± 53.11 mg/L, Turbidity 9.1 ± 14.83 NTU, COD 170.4 ± 40.6 mg/L, BOD5 74.8 ± 33.5 mg/L, NO3-N 45.4 ± 39.97 mg/L and PO4-P 4.52 ± 2.30 mg/L. The CW removed TSS by 82% and turbidity 94%. COD, BOD and NO3-N were removed by 48%, 47% and 58% respectively. E. coli concentration in effluent samples ranged from 1.1 × 101 CFU/mL to 1.1 × 102 CFU/mL with an average of 1.77logCFU/mL. Average BOD5/COD ratio was 0.5 and 0.4 for influent and effluent respectively. The effluent contained higher levels of EC, TDS, and PO4-P than the influent. According to the findings of this study, most of the parameters of wastewater effluent discharged wasn't within the effluent discharge standards.
Physicochemical and microbiological characterization and of hospital wastewater in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2023-08-24) Karungamye, Petro; Rugaika, Anita; Mtei, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
Given the complex composition of hospital wastewater and the high risk of initiating disease outbreaks, comprehensive monitoring and treatment of hospital wastewater are required to prevent social and environ- mental consequences. This study investigated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater from the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Tanzania. The wastewater from this hospital is treated in a horizontal flow Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being discharged into the environments. Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet from 02nd May 2022 to 25th July 2022. The results shows that the effluent discharged had pH 7.48 ± 0.63, electrical conductivity 2441 ± 623 μS/ cm, Total dissolved solids 1305.5 ± 396 mg/L, Total suspended solids 49.17 ± 53.11 mg/L, Turbidity 9.1 ± 14.83 NTU, COD 170.4 ± 40.6 mg/L, BOD5 74.8 ± 33.5 mg/L, NO3-N 45.4 ± 39.97 mg/L and PO4-P 4.52 ± 2.30 mg/L. The CW removed TSS by 82% and turbidity 94%. COD, BOD and NO3-N were removed by 48%, 47% and 58% respectively. E. coli concentration in effluent samples ranged from 1.1 × 101 CFU/mL to 1.1 × 102 CFU/ mL with an average of 1.77logCFU/mL. Average BOD5/COD ratio was 0.5 and 0.4 for influent and effluent respectively. The effluent contained higher levels of EC, TDS, and PO4-P than the influent. According to the findings of this study, most of the parameters of wastewater effluent discharged wasn’t Given the complex composition of hospital wastewater and the high risk of initiating disease outbreaks, comprehensive monitoring and treatment of hospital wastewater are required to prevent social and environ- mental consequences. This study investigated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater from the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Tanzania. The wastewater from this hospital is treated in a horizontal flow Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being discharged into the environments. Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet from 02nd May 2022 to 25th July 2022. The results shows that the effluent discharged had pH 7.48 ± 0.63, electrical conductivity 2441 ± 623 μS/ cm, Total dissolved solids 1305.5 ± 396 mg/L, Total suspended solids 49.17 ± 53.11 mg/L, Turbidity 9.1 ± 14.83 NTU, COD 170.4 ± 40.6 mg/L, BOD5 74.8 ± 33.5 mg/L, NO3-N 45.4 ± 39.97 mg/L and PO4-P 4.52 ± 2.30 mg/L. The CW removed TSS by 82% and turbidity 94%. COD, BOD and NO3-N were removed by 48%, 47% and 58% respectively. E. coli concentration in effluent samples ranged from 1.1 × 101 CFU/mL to 1.1 × 102 CFU/ mL with an average of 1.77logCFU/mL. Average BOD5/COD ratio was 0.5 and 0.4 for influent and effluent respectively. The effluent contained higher levels of EC, TDS, and PO4-P than the influent. According to the findings of this study, most of the parameters of wastewater effluent discharged wasn’t Given the complex composition of hospital wastewater and the high risk of initiating disease outbreaks, comprehensive monitoring and treatment of hospital wastewater are required to prevent social and environ- mental consequences. This study investigated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater from the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Tanzania. The wastewater from this hospital is treated in a horizontal flow Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being discharged into the environments. Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet from 02nd May 2022 to 25th July 2022. The results shows that the effluent discharged had pH 7.48 ± 0.63, electrical conductivity 2441 ± 623 μS/ cm, Total dissolved solids 1305.5 ± 396 mg/L, Total suspended solids 49.17 ± 53.11 mg/L, Turbidity 9.1 ± 14.83 NTU, COD 170.4 ± 40.6 mg/L, BOD5 74.8 ± 33.5 mg/L, NO3-N 45.4 ± 39.97 mg/L and PO4-P 4.52 ± 2.30 mg/L. The CW removed TSS by 82% and turbidity 94%. COD, BOD and NO3-N were removed by 48%, 47% and 58% respectively. E. coli concentration in effluent samples ranged from 1.1 × 101 CFU/mL to 1.1 × 102 CFU/ mL with an average of 1.77logCFU/mL. Average BOD5/COD ratio was 0.5 and 0.4 for influent and effluent respectively. The effluent contained higher levels of EC, TDS, and PO4-P than the influent. According to the findings of this study, most of the parameters of wastewater effluent discharged wasn’t Given the complex composition of hospital wastewater and the high risk of initiating disease outbreaks, comprehensive monitoring and treatment of hospital wastewater are required to prevent social and environ- mental consequences. This study investigated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater from the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Tanzania. The wastewater from this hospital is treated in a horizontal flow Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being discharged into the environments. Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet from 02nd May 2022 to 25th July 2022. The results shows that the effluent discharged had pH 7.48 ± 0.63, electrical conductivity 2441 ± 623 μS/ cm, Total dissolved solids 1305.5 ± 396 mg/L, Total suspended solids 49.17 ± 53.11 mg/L, Turbidity 9.1 ± 14.83 NTU, COD 170.4 ± 40.6 mg/L, BOD5 74.8 ± 33.5 mg/L, NO3-N 45.4 ± 39.97 mg/L and PO4-P 4.52 ± 2.30 mg/L. The CW removed TSS by 82% and turbidity 94%. COD, BOD and NO3-N were removed by 48%, 47% and 58% respectively. E. coli concentration in effluent samples ranged from 1.1 × 101 CFU/mL to 1.1 × 102 CFU/ mL with an average of 1.77logCFU/mL. Average BOD5/COD ratio was 0.5 and 0.4 for influent and effluent respectively. The effluent contained higher levels of EC, TDS, and PO4-P than the influent. According to the findings of this study, most of the parameters of wastewater effluent discharged wasn’t Given the complex composition of hospital wastewater and the high risk of initiating disease outbreaks, comprehensive monitoring and treatment of hospital wastewater are required to prevent social and environ- mental consequences. This study investigated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater from the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Tanzania. The wastewater from this hospital is treated in a horizontal flow Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being discharged into the environments. Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet from 02nd May 2022 to 25th July 2022. The results shows that the effluent discharged had pH 7.48 ± 0.63, electrical conductivity 2441 ± 623 μS/ cm, Total dissolved solids 1305.5 ± 396 mg/L, Total suspended solids 49.17 ± 53.11 mg/L, Turbidity 9.1 ± 14.83 NTU, COD 170.4 ± 40.6 mg/L, BOD5 74.8 ± 33.5 mg/L, NO3-N 45.4 ± 39.97 mg/L and PO4-P 4.52 ± 2.30 mg/L. The CW removed TSS by 82% and turbidity 94%. COD, BOD and NO3-N were removed by 48%, 47% and 58% respectively. E. coli concentration in effluent samples ranged from 1.1 × 101 CFU/mL to 1.1 × 102 CFU/ mL with an average of 1.77logCFU/mL. Average BOD5/COD ratio was 0.5 and 0.4 for influent and effluent respectively. The effluent contained higher levels of EC, TDS, and PO4-P than the influent. According to the findings of this study, most of the parameters of wastewater effluent discharged wasn’t within the effluent discharge standards.
Physicochemical and microbiological characterization and of hospital wastewater in Tanzania
(Elseiver, 2023-08-25) Karungamye, Petro; Rugaika, Anita; Mtei, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
Given the complex composition of hospital wastewater and the high risk of initiating disease outbreaks, comprehensive monitoring and treatment of hospital wastewater are required to prevent social and environmental consequences. This study investigated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater from the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma Tanzania. The wastewater from this hospital is treated in a horizontal flow Constructed Wetland (CW) planted with Typha latifolia before being discharged into the environments. Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet from 02nd May 2022 to 25th July 2022. The results shows that the effluent discharged had pH 7.48 ± 0.63, electrical conductivity 2441 ± 623 µS/cm, Total dissolved solids 1305.5 ± 396 mg/L, Total suspended solids 49.17 ± 53.11 mg/L, Turbidity 9.1 ± 14.83 NTU, COD 170.4 ± 40.6 mg/L, BOD5 74.8 ± 33.5 mg/L, NO3-N 45.4 ± 39.97 mg/L and PO4-P 4.52 ± 2.30 mg/L. The CW removed TSS by 82% and turbidity 94%. COD, BOD and NO3-N were removed by 48%, 47% and 58% respectively. E. coli concentration in effluent samples ranged from 1.1 × 101 CFU/mL to 1.1 × 102 CFU/mL with an average of 1.77logCFU/mL. Average BOD5/COD ratio was 0.5 and 0.4 for influent and effluent respectively. The effluent contained higher levels of EC, TDS, and PO4-P than the influent. According to the findings of this study, most of the parameters of wastewater effluent discharged wasn't within the effluent discharge standards.
The removal of ciprofloxacin from synthetic wastewater in constructed wetland
(Elsevier, 2023-04-08) Karungamye, Petro; Rugaika, Anita; Mtei, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
Considering the health effects of antibiotics in the environment, effective monitoring and treatment technologies are needed to mitigate social and environmental impacts. The present study was carried out to investigate the efficiency of the constructed wetland (CW) on the removal of Ciprofloxacin (CIP) from aqueous samples. Experiments were conducted in pilot scale CWs planted with single plants of Cyperus alternifolius, Canna indica and one planted with both plant species. Analysis of CIP concentrations in the influent and effluent samples was done using Cary 60 UV–Vis spectrophotometer, while physical-chemical parameters were monitored for the influent and effluent samples. The removal efficiency of physico-chemical parameters was ˃70% for Nitrate, ˃60% for Phosphate, ˃70% for BOD and ˃77% for COD. The maximum removal of CIP (77.1%) was observed in CW planted with Cyperus alternifolius during a 7 days hydraulic retention time (HRT). The results of this study show superior performance of Cyperus alternifolius than Canna indica. There was no significance difference (p > 0.05) produced by mixing the two plants in a CW. However, mixing of plants especially ornamental plants in CWs brings good visual impression of the systems while treating the wastewater. This study demonstrate that CW can remove antibiotics from wastewater. The best performance depends on best selection and best combination of the plants.
Removal of fluoride and pathogens from water using the combined electrocoagulation-inline-electrolytic disinfection process
(IWA Publishing, 2023-07-01) Njau, Oscar; Otter, Philipp; Machunda, Revocatus; Rugaika, Anita; Wydra, Kerstin; Njau, Karoli
The consecutive removal of fluoride (defluoridation) and pathogens (disinfection) in drinking water through combined electrocoagulation-inline-electrolytic disinfection (EC–ECl2) process with aluminum and dimension-stable mixed oxide electrodes was reported in this study. Laboratory trials were conducted on the effects of flow rate, initial pH, current density, and supporting electrolytes for defluoridation and disinfection processes. The results have shown that with a flow rate of 10 L/h, initial pH of 6, the current density of 9.4 mA/cm2 (EC cell) and 3.1 mA/cm2 (ECl2 cell), supporting electrolyte concentration of 165 mg/L, and electrolysis time of 50 min, a defluoridation rate of 88% (initial concentration of 12.3 mg/L) and complete disinfection (initial fecal coliforms of 19,700 colony-forming units per 100 mL (CFU/100 mL)) can be reached. The final concentration of fluoride and pathogens in treated water was 1.44 mg/L and 0 CFU/100 mL, which are within the acceptable limit of the World Health Organization and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards of 1.5 mg/L and 0 CFU/100 mL, respectively. The EC–ECl2 system is a promising approach for consecutive defluoridation and disinfection of water to save millions from fluorosis and waterborne diseases. However, optimization potential with regard to energetic efficiency and system complexity was identified.
A Review of Methods for Removal of Ceftriaxone from Wastewater
(MDPI, 2022-08-02) Karungamye, Petro; Rugaika, Anita; Mtei, Kelvin; Machunda, Revocatus
The presence of pharmaceuticals in surface water and wastewater poses a threat to public health and has significant effects on the ecosystem. Since most wastewater treatment plants are ineffective at removing molecules efficiently, some pharmaceuticals enter aquatic ecosystems, thus creating issues such as antibiotic resistance and toxicity. This review summarizes the methods used for the removal of ceftriaxone antibiotics from aquatic environments. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in many countries, including Tanzania. Ceftriaxone has been reported to be less or not degraded in traditional wastewater treatment of domestic sewage. This has piqued the interest of researchers in the monitoring and removal of ceftriaxone from wastewater. Its removal from aqueous systems has been studied using a variety of methods which include physical, biological, and chemical processes. As a result, information about ceftriaxone has been gathered from many sources with the searched themes being ceftriaxone in wastewater, ceftriaxone analysis, and ceftriaxone removal or degradation. The methods studied have been highlighted and the opportunities for future research have been described.