Sewage water monitoring can contribute to the detection of sars-cov-2 circulation

by Ahmad Mahdi | Aug 22, 2021 | Water & Health | 0 comments

Coronaviruses are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses, grouped into four main groups: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Coronaviruses (CoVs) belong to the Coronaviridae family.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease COVID-19, a public health emergency worldwide, and Italy is among the most severely affected countries. Sewage water monitoring is one of the key reasons for preventing covid 19.

Sewage water monitoring overview

The first SARS-CoV-2 cases reported in Italy were two Chinese tourists who fell ill in January after flying in from Wuhan, where the pandemic began. These patients were immediately put into isolation, and are not believed to have infected anyone else. The first autochthonous patient was diagnosed one month later in Lombardy, on February 2021. He was a 38-year-old man, from the town of Codogno, 60 km southeast of Milan.

Scientific research was conducted to identify the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Italy earlier than February 2021 by waste water-based epidemiology[1]. Forty sewage samples were analyzed for the study. Samples were collected between 9th October 2019 and 28th February 2020 from five WWTPs (wastewater treatment plants) located in 3 cities of Italy; Milan (20 samples from two distinct plants), Turin (16 samples from two distinct plants), and Bologna (4 samples from one plant). Sewage water monitoring has an impact on spreading covid 19.

Molecular analysis was undertaken with both nested RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR assays. For nested RT-PCR, SuperScript IV Reverse Transcriptase (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used to synthesis first-strand cDNA. A newly developed real-time RT- PCR designed with the Primer3 software was used targeting the ORF1ab region of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.

Statistics & Concentration

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by nested RT-PCR in 18/40 (45%) samples (amplicon sequences confirmed as SARS-CoV-2 by blast analysis) and in 26/40 (65%) samples by the newly developed real-time RT-PCR (shown in Table 1), with an overall agreement between the two assays of 65.0% (26/40 paired results). Virus concentration in the samples ranged from below the limit of detection (LOD) to 5.6 × 10⁴ genome copies (g.c.) / liter.

Table 1: SARS-CoV-2 detection in sewage samples, October 2019 – February 2020

Highlighted in bold are the first occurrences of SARS-CoV-2 in each of the areas included in the study.

The study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 was already circulating in northern Italy at the end of 2019. This study also highlights the potential of environmental surveillance as an early warning system capable of alerting public health authorities to the presence of an outbreak in a specific population. Sewage water monitoring needs to be implemented by the local authorities for ensuring safe water and prevent covid 19.

Final Words

From this study, we can say that the presence of coronaviruses or any other viruses or bacteria in our sewage or groundwater can lead to serious health problems including diarrhea, pneumonia, coronavirus disease, reproductive problems, and nervous system disease, or even death. So, we just need to drink safe water. We should also be aware of other users of water in our everyday life such as cooking, bathing, washing, etc.  

A scientific study has shown that to prepare boiled rice using the absorption method about 0.35 liter of water is required for 170 gm/person/day of rice which is recommended for adults by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. To prevent various diseases and to lead a healthy lifestyle, we must need to use safe and clean water for our cooking as well. For this reason, we should consider a RO water purification system at home and office. Sewage water monitoring is a key challenge for the government but it is not impossible to implement.

[1]  Sewage samples may use to monitor the levels of virus circulating in the population, an approach called Waster-Based Epidemiology.

Plastic Pollution is a Serious Threat to Environment and Human Health

by Ahmad Mahdi | Nov 1, 2020 | Water & Health | 0 comments

Plastics have changed our lives; it is the most common material which is used at home. Plastic pollution is a serious threat for the human being, wildlife as well environment. It has altered medication, decorated vehicles to jet planes as a consequence environments get polluted. 

We cannot deny that there are some benefits of plastics because of its lightweight, cost-effective and resistance. But on the other hand, plastics negatively impact waters, wildlife and humans. The consequences of using plastics are widespread- and it has a long term impact on humans, wildlife and nature. 

It is assumed that, by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.

Type 1- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE or Polyester) or stomach plastic 

Stomach plastic is normally used to prepare water bottles, juice, soft drinks, butter, salad dressing, vegetable oil, mouthwash, cosmetics etc. These plastics are much thinner and smooth. Stomach plastics do not have any harmful bacteria or thalates, but its use is used in antimony trioxide. The research said that the use of long-time heat is toxic antimony from the stomach bottle. So it is very important to keep these bottles away from high temperatures. Type 1 or stomach plastic is made for one-time use only. 

Type 2- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

The most used plastic in the world is polyethylene. High-thickness polyethylene produced using petroleum, a sort of resistant plastic. High-density polyethylene is used in opaque milk, grocery bag, shampoo bottles, juice container, medicine bottle etc. High-density polyethylene is moderately strong, peevish, irritable and ‘heat-prone’ in nature. It doesn’t contain destructive BPA or thalates. There is no realized wellbeing hazard for this kind of plastic use. In fact, some research has shown, if the sunlight is kept for a long time, then the nanalifenal is released from type 2 plastic to ultraviolet rays. Comparatively, type 1, type 2 plastics is considered safer for food and drink. 

Type 3- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Toys, blister wrap, cling wrap, detergent bottles, loose-leaf binders, blood bags and medical tubing containers are prepared by Type 3 plastic called PVC- Polyvinyl Chloride. PVC or vinyl is the second most widely used plastic equipment in the world after polyethylene. In fact, the manufacture and disposal process of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) has been announced as the cause of serious environmental pollution issues and health risks as well.  

Type 4 – Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) 

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastics are comparatively transparent and opaque; also it is flexible and rigid but fragile. These types of plastics are the easiest polymer chemical structure. 

Various kinds of bags like grocery, dry cleaning, newspapers, bread, frozen food bags, garbage etc, hot & cold beverage cups, coatings for paper milk cartons and plastic wraps etc are prepared from Type 4 Plastics. It is also used for wire and cable covering. Unfortunately, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is quite difficult to be recycled. 

Type 5 – Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is normally strong and semi-transparent, high in heat and hydrophobic. These kinds of plastics are used for packing medicine, beverage, yoghurt, ketchup etc. Polypropylene isn’t completely recyclable also Polypropylene could cause asthma and hormone disruption in the human body. 

Type 6 – Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene is widely used in making egg cartons,  food containers, disposable cups and bowls, packaging, and also bike helmets. It is very risky for human health. Studies have shown that styrene is regarded as the brain and nervous system toxicant; it might also affect genes, liver, lungs, and immune system. Polystyrene has a very little rate of recycling. 

Type 7 – Other

Type 7 is those plastics which Except for the type mentioned by number 1-6 and also that may be layered or mixed with other categories of plastics, such as bioplastics. Polycarbonate containers are made of BPA or bisphenol A. Due to its toxicity; several countries have banned the use of polycarbonate.

By considering the above categories of plastics we can say that Polyethylene Terephthalate is the best type of plastic for using food and water items. Ultima water purifier uses Polyethylene Terephthalate plastics to their purifier. That is why much safer and less harmful drinking water can be ensured.

Safety precautions when using plastic containers

We all know that Plastic pollution is a serious threat to our lives but if we are aware of these impacts can be reduced.

• Don’t use the microwave for drinks or foods in plastic containers or with plastic wrap the food regardless of the types and classifications of plastic are. The heat of the microwaves breaks down the plastics then it releases a chemical into the food or drinks of the containers.
• Packaging of plastics that have been used for the packing of takeaway food containers, detergents, water and soft drinks bottles etc should not reuse as they are one-time use only.   
• Cell phones, glasses, remotes and other plastic objects keep away from children as these electronics are prepared of toxic chemicals also it may be treated as fire retardants. 
• Hot liquids and cold liquids are not suitable to use in plastics containers. The toxic chemical can melt into these liquids.
• Before using any plastic containers read carefully the instructions of packaging labels. Single-use plastic using more than one time increases the risk of growing bacteria into the water or food.

Plastic pollution is a serious threat to human health 

Look around and observe what amount of plastic can you see? Food, bottles, pens even your phone covers contain plastics, the list is unlimited. Although plastic pollution is a serious threat, plastic contamination on human health remains unknown to the majority of the people. Have you ever imagined that the negative effects of plastic pollution on our health are increasing day by day? 

Toxic chemicals filter out of plastic and are found in the blood and tissue of almost all of us.

Microplastics are found in 114 marine species by researchers. Most of them in fact, one-third of these fish are eaten by humans. Every day, we are consuming more polluted seafood, this plastic pollution affects human health, even if these effects have not been discovered just yet.

Because of the poor waste management system, people frequently have no option but to burn their trash in the open space. This practice allows chemicals from plastic to easily enter the human body as we breathe normally. 

There is no surprise that plastic pollution is a serious threat to human health, along with environmental impacts. 

Several studies have found some causal links between plastic and problems of the human body’s systems. As a result, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems of the human body are affected. So, the health impacts are overwhelmingly huge. Diabetes, chronic, cancer and various immune diseases are just a few examples of many issues potentially caused by plastic and its harmful components.

Pregnant women and children are in a more vulnerable situation. For a pregnant mother, it is considered that such impacts on a developing fetus have been shown to increase the birth defects of the brain, heart, and/or spine.

Impact on Wildlife

Millions of wildlife die for plastics every year, from birds to fish to other ocean organisms. Nearly 700 species, including rare ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Most of the seabird eats plastics.

It is difficult to retrieve plastic waste once it is thrown in the ocean. But once plastics have been broken down into microplastics and mixed throughout the deep water in the vast ocean, they are almost impossible to recover. Plastic pollution is a serious threat to wildlife. A human can understand but animals don’t. According to research, there are 51 trillion pieces of plastic that are stored in the ocean. These plastics are deadly hazards that animals need to avoid. 

Plastic is very dangerous for wildlife because they eat it or mistakenly feed to their children. Sometimes they get stuck into the plastic or plastic fibre and don’t find any chance to overcome it. Even plankton, the smallest creatures in our oceans, are getting microplastics and absorbing their harmful chemicals. Unlike humans, animals cannot identify plastic from “digestible” materials. Looks, smells, tastes or behaves like food that drives animals to eat plastics. The more use of plastics is taken place the wildlife will be affected increasingly. 

Many of the ocean creatures are entrapping, encircling or constricting by plastic debris. Entanglement cases have been found for at least 344 species of marine animal including all marine turtle species, over two-thirds of seal species, one-third of whale species, and one-quarter of seabirds. 89 species of fish and 92 species of invertebrates have also been recorded for Entanglement.  Plastic rope and netting and abandoned fishing gear is the most common entanglement. Plastic pollution is a serious threat, but there is no way to except reducing plastic pollution.

Impact on the Environment 

A one time used plastic can be used for only 15 minutes but it can take 450 years or more to vanish from land or water. Billions of plastics are thrown away to the environment and only 8 per cent gets recycled. The rest of these ends up in landfills, burned or becomes wastes of nature. Everything suffers tourism, recreation, business, the health of humans, animals, fish and birds—because of plastic pollution. The financial damage continuously being inflicted is inestimable. Obviously, plastic pollution is a serious threat to environments.

According to a report, in 2019, production and burning of plastic have generated 850 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. It is predicted that in the current trend, annual emissions from plastics will grow to 1.34 billion tones by 2030. In human word related and private condition, plastic items are available in enormous volume. Contamination by plastics and plastic items can harm and pollute the earthbound condition and can be accordingly moved to the sea-going condition.

Duties to overcome plastic pollution 

Plastic pollution is a serious threat so there is no alternative to reducing plastic pollution. Plastics are dominating in our everyday life. We don’t have enough options to avoid plastics from our daily life. But there are some suggestions which can be reduced plastic pollution. 5R is an effective way to mitigate plastic pollution; these are Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Remove, Recycle and Rally.

Reduce

We should reduce the amount of plastic waste. Most of the time it is true that one time plastics have an alternative solution. Still, wood, pottery can be an ideal alternative of plastics equipment.

Reuse

To avoid using single-use plastic equipment it can be a good alternative of using reusable plastics materials. Those plastics have long validity that can reuse frequently to avoid plastic pollution. Bring a reusable container to a restaurant or other essential area with you when you expect to have plastics.

Refuse

Sometimes you have to refuse plastics in restaurants as well as family. Request them to provide alternatives for plastics.

Remove

Removing trash from your surroundings and environments can protect the wildlife and environments from plastic pollutions.

Recycle

There are some plastics which need can easily be recycled. We should recycle those plastics which we do not need to use any longer.  

Single-use water bottles vs water purifier 

A large number of people use single-use water bottles and invisible satisfaction grow in their mind for having safe water. In fact, the water might safe enough but bottles might not safe. Therefore, before purchasing water both bottles and water safety need to be ensured. Furthermore, the single-use bottles have some huge environmental effects which we have discussed earlier.

One 2018 study, There were 11 global brands of bottled water had tested from 9 of the different countries. The research showed that 93% of the bottled water contains microplastics. The research didn’t say that all the plastic water is contaminated but a large number of companies can not ensure safe water quality. Everybody has come to terms that plastic pollution is a serious threat to the world, but very few people make themselves conscious.

On the other hand quality water purifier which ensures reserve osmosis (RO) system is better than the bottled water. The reason behind it reserve osmosis (RO) system uses food grade plastic of PET or PETE or Polyester. It also ensures airproof water tank so that germ can not grow from water. Ultima water purifier with reserve osmosis (RO) system ensures the best quality for water purification.

Ultima Water Purifier uses 6-8 steps to purify water. Ultra Filtration, Reserve Osmosis, Ultra Violet ensures 100% safe water. The important thing is these kinds of water purification process do not cause plastic pollution. That is why 100% safe water and pollution-free environment can be ensured.


Conclusion 

Nowadays plastics become a common material to use our everyday equipment. We don’t have enough options to avoid plastics from our daily life. But we can reduce the uses of plastics. It is clear that most of the plastics we use are for one time. These plastics gradually grow a huge amount of wastage. As a result, the environment, wildlife and humans are affected.  Plastic pollution is a serious threat, therefore the Governments across the world need to take some effective steps.

We can recycle plastics for reuse. Otherwise, the use of plastics will pollute the environment. Common questions arise in our mind: how can we avoid plastics in food items? The answer is there is no chance to avoid plastics instantly, but we can use food-grade plastic which is not much harmer for our health.

World Cancer Day 2020: Let’s Drink Safe Water And Prevent Cancer

by Dr. Hefjur Rahman Ojaer | Feb 5, 2020 | Water & Health | 0 comments

Cancer scenario

Drink safe water is a common consciousness to prevent cancer. Ensuring safe drinking water to all can be an affective ways to decrease the number of cancer patient.

Cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of death all over the world, and responsible for about 9.6 million (96 lakh) deaths (17 patients per minute).

In Bangladesh:

• Nearly 1.08 lakh patient had died of cancer.
• A number of diagnosed new cases of cancer was 150781 (male 83715 and female 67,066) throughout the year.
• Patient of breast cancer was 12764 (8.5%of all cancer patients).
• Lung cancers were responsible for the deaths of 12,075 patients.
  (Scenario reported by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018)

Cancer treatment

• After a diagnosis of cancer, generally, patients may have to face surgical procedure to remove cancer tissue. Sometimes a surgical procedure is not applicable for overall circumstances.
• Then chemotherapy is given for the patient in order to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is applied to prolong life or to reduce symptoms.
• Along this radiotherapy may also apply to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.

But, still now cancer is considered as an incurable diseases worldwide. “Drink safe water” should be a campaign for aware the people about cancer.

• No specific curative medicine has invented for cancer treatment until now.
• Preventive medicine (vaccine) is intangible
• Palliative treatment (reduce sufferings) is unaffordable for mass people
• Only a few specific preventive measures are tangible for all.

Note: Cancer Awareness Foundation Bangladesh reported that 37 cancer treatment centres giving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative treatment in the country.

How does cancer develop in our body?

• Cancer is a morphological malformation of tissue, abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way.
• Affected cells may form a mass of tissue, called a tumour.
• Malignant lymphoma is a clinical feature as a primary symptom of cancer.
• In some cases occurred metastasis (spreading cancer cells).

Note: Cancer can not be developed in a day. Long term exposure to toxic substances more than tolerance limit may cause of molecular change of tissue, which can turn to cancer. Beside this long term existence of infected wound or boil may turn to cancer.

Example: primary clinical feature of arsenicosis is skin pigmentation, then it turn to keratosis or melanosis. Finally aggravated arsenicosis develops skin cancer.

Causes of Cancer:

All causes of cancer are not précised and cannot be explained in short. But the most common causes are:

• Certain period exposure to the toxic molecular substance.
• Infections – such as hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV), Tuberculosis etc.
• Infected wound (boil, ulcer) may gradually turn to cancer.
• Tobacco smoking; it has been strongly linked to various types of cancer -including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney.
• Tobacco use is the most important risk factor and is responsible for 22% of cancer.
• Chewing tobacco is linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas.
• Passive smoking (accompany by smokers); it increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Drink unsafe water is a vital reason for affecting cancer. Some heavy elements of water like Cadmium, Lead, Arsenik are strongly linked to causing cancer.

It is true that, drink safe water can reduce the chances of cancer.

Who are most likely to be affected by cancer?

• Patients with the infected wound (chronic ulcer)
• Patients with tumour
• Tobacco Smoker
• Alcohol user
• Diabetic patients

Economic Impact of Cancer:

The total annual economic cost of cancer was estimated at approximately US$ 1.16 trillion in 2010. The economic impact of cancer is significant and is increasing day by day.

What are the carcinogens?

Cancer-causing substances are known as a carcinogen. Many types of carcinogens exist in the environment. Most of the carcinogens lead exposure to renal failure as well as kidney damage. Common types of cancer with responsible substances are given in the chart.

Many Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) may also exist in water and act as a carcinogen.

World Cancer Day:

4^th February 2020, the WORLD CANCER DAY has been celebrated to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration.

The Theme of WORLD CANCER DAY:       

‘I AM AND I WILL.’ (2019-2021).

The theme is all about you and your commitment to act. We believe that through our positive actions, together we can reach the target of reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and non-communicable diseases by one third by 2030.

Prevent Cancer: Drink Safe Water

As air, water and soil are mixed everywhere in nature. Most of the elements of soil and air can be found in water as dissolved matters, insoluble substances, and microorganisms. If potable water contains the carcinogen, it creates serious fatal health hazards, even death also. Besides this, food can be contaminated by contaminated water. So we have to face intolerable circumstances with contaminated water. For this reason, water purifying is undoubtedly crying need to prevent cancer. Mandatory action as a preventive measure against cancer. We can eat safe food, drink safe water and prevent cancer risk. Drink safe water is not always too much costly if water sources are available.

Things to avoid as protective measurement

1. Tobacco (smoking and consuming)
2. Much sugar
3. Alcohol
4. UV radiation in mid-day sunlight
5. Nitrate rich food
6. Barbecuing food (Polyaromatic hydrocarbon generated)

Finally you have to drink safe water and avoid contaminated water.

How to Drink Safe Water?

Ultra Violet radiation and boiling systems are unable to remove substances from water. Chemicalization (Halogenation) for water purifying causing chemical substance accumulation in water and increases risk of cancer.

Filtration is the most preferable water purification system. It is chemical-free technology lead to separation of solutes from water through a semi-permeable membrane with tiny pores. The membrane is obstructed to pass through the larger substances and microorganisms from water. Membrane consisted of smaller pore size is more effective.

Available membrane filtration systems with pore size of membrane:

1. Ceramic filtration (CF): 0.3  – 0.8 micron
2. MICRO Filtration (MF): 0.1 micron         
3. ULTRA Filtration (UF): 0.01 micron       
4. Hyper Filtration (HF) – Reverse Osmosis (RO): 0.0001 micron

Pore size of membrane of CF, MF and UF are larger than maximum carcinogens. So, these filters are unable to remove all substances from water. Only Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane consisted with smaller pore size than substances of water.

For this reason Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology is the best choice to purify the water due to the tiniest pore size (0.0001 micron) of the membrane.

You can keep confidence in RO technology for 100% safe “Drinking Water and Kitchen Water” Solution. This technology is recognized by NSF, ANSI and EPA of USA; certified by ISO 9001: 2008 and appreciated by WHO (World Health Organization). RO Water Purifier is an automatic machine directly usable for the domestic water line. No need to boil water. You can collect an RO water purifier for family health safety. It is significantly important to justify the quality before buying a RO water purifier. Ultima Bangladesh helps you to have drink safe water.

Key Points to Determine The Best RO Water Purifier:

• Pore size of PP: 0.45 micron (Finest) , 1 micron, 5 micron

• Power of RO membrane and Booster Pump

Domestic: 75 GPD, 100 GPD, Official: 200 GPD

• Type of activated carbon (GAC, CTO, T 33)

Coconut shell (Better Quality), coal carbon

• Type of faucet

Stainless steel (Alloy), Plastic Faucet

• Food grade maintenance of air pressure tank.
• Availability of filter and accessories in the market.
• Better and friendly customer care services.

Honesty (truthfulness) is the noble and public health safety is the humanitarian Goal of ULTIMA (The best family friend). We should make a slogan that Drink safe water & prevent cancer.

Edited By:
Dr. Hefjur Rahman Ojaer
BUMS (DU), MPH (NIPSOM – BSMMU)