Applicability of putative probiotic bacteria to replace antibiotics as growth promoters in commercial and indigenous piglets
- Authors: Dlamini, Ziyanda Confidence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Antibiotics , Dietary supplements , Piglets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11428 , vital:39071
- Description: Antibiotic use in pig production contributes to development of antimicrobial resistance in food animals and risk of antibiotic residues in animal food products. The use of probiotics appears to be the potential alternative to antibiotics. This work is designed to validate the applicability of administered direct-fed putative probiotic strains of Lactobacillus reuteri ZJ625, Lactobacillus reuteri VB4, Lactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 and Streptococcus salivarius NBCR 13956 on growth performance, hematological parameters, and antibody stimulation in weaned commercial and indigenous pigs. Forty-five weaned piglets were divided into five treatment experimental groups as follows: Diet with: antibiotic (PC), No antibiotic and no probiotic (NC), Probiotic (P1) (P2) combination of probiotics (P3). Piglets’ performance were monitored during the trial. Faecal and ileum samples were collected for microbial count analysis. Blood samples were collected from the sacrificed piglets at the end of the trial, for the hematological and biochemical analysis and probiotics ability to stimulate immunoglobulin G (IgG). Four probiotic strains were tested for cell surface hydrophobicity against xylene, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The strains were also tested for auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was used as a control pathogen in the co-aggregation ability test. The probiotic strains were also screened for presence of virulence and resistance genes. DNA was extracted from all the four probiotic strains using ZR Fungal/Bacterial DNA MiniPepTM (Zymo Research, USA) following manufacturer’s instructions. The DNA samples were later amplified in PCR reactions with specific primers to detect virulence genes of adhesion collagen protein (ace), aggregation substances (agg and asa); antibiotic resistance genes of: Vancomycin vanA, Vancomycin vanC1 and Vancomycin vanC2/3. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SAS statistics software (SAS 9.3) (2003). Results from the study revealed that supplementation of probiotics had no effect on feed intake (FI) in all of the experimental groups. However, supplementation of probiotics in P3 treatment resulted in greater average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Microbial count of fecal samples from all the treatment groups did not differ while ileum samples had lower enteric bacteria in P3 group as compared to other treatments. Concentration of albumin, globulin, neutrophils and basophils were high in NC treatment compared to other treatments. (p < 0.05). IgG concentration was highest in P3 compared to other treatment (p < 0.05). All probiotics strains showed high hydrophobicity to all solvents used in the test. Cell Surface Hydrophobic was highest in xylene (78percent – 84percent), followed by chloroform (68percent – 75percent) and lowest in ethyl acetate (52percent - 60percent). All of the test strains showed high auto-aggregation ability after 4 hr of incubation. L .reuteri VB4 exhibited highest auto-aggregation ability of 70percent, while the least auto-aggregation ability of 60percent was observed for L. salivarius ZJ614. In the co-aggregation assays, all probiotic bacterial strains exhibited a strong co-aggregation of 45percent to 56percent after 4 hr of incubation at 37 °C. L. reuteri VB4 exhibited highest co-aggregation ability while L. salivarius ZJ614 exhibited the lowest co-aggregation ability. No presence of virulence genes ace and asa was detected in all of the putative probiotic strains, but agg virulence gene was detected in L. reuteri VB4 strains. L. reuteri VB4 and S. salivarius NBRC13956 had resistance genes vanC 2/3 and vanC1, respectively. Overall, the results from this study, suggest that the candidate probiotics strains have enhanced the growth and measured blood parameters of the weaned piglets used in these experiments, and also, the probiotic strains have the abilities to initiate the stimulation of IgG. Probiotics could be used as a novel alternative to antibiotics in the animal nutrition and production, with the abilities to confer health benefits and promote growth. The outcome of the research advocates that these probiotics will be beneficial to pig production, and might outcompete the current antibiotics in use as growth promoters. One of the major advantages of probiotics to pig industry is the production of antibiotic free and good quality pork meat to local and international consumers, thus, enhancing South African Pork industry.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dlamini, Ziyanda Confidence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Antibiotics , Dietary supplements , Piglets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11428 , vital:39071
- Description: Antibiotic use in pig production contributes to development of antimicrobial resistance in food animals and risk of antibiotic residues in animal food products. The use of probiotics appears to be the potential alternative to antibiotics. This work is designed to validate the applicability of administered direct-fed putative probiotic strains of Lactobacillus reuteri ZJ625, Lactobacillus reuteri VB4, Lactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 and Streptococcus salivarius NBCR 13956 on growth performance, hematological parameters, and antibody stimulation in weaned commercial and indigenous pigs. Forty-five weaned piglets were divided into five treatment experimental groups as follows: Diet with: antibiotic (PC), No antibiotic and no probiotic (NC), Probiotic (P1) (P2) combination of probiotics (P3). Piglets’ performance were monitored during the trial. Faecal and ileum samples were collected for microbial count analysis. Blood samples were collected from the sacrificed piglets at the end of the trial, for the hematological and biochemical analysis and probiotics ability to stimulate immunoglobulin G (IgG). Four probiotic strains were tested for cell surface hydrophobicity against xylene, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The strains were also tested for auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was used as a control pathogen in the co-aggregation ability test. The probiotic strains were also screened for presence of virulence and resistance genes. DNA was extracted from all the four probiotic strains using ZR Fungal/Bacterial DNA MiniPepTM (Zymo Research, USA) following manufacturer’s instructions. The DNA samples were later amplified in PCR reactions with specific primers to detect virulence genes of adhesion collagen protein (ace), aggregation substances (agg and asa); antibiotic resistance genes of: Vancomycin vanA, Vancomycin vanC1 and Vancomycin vanC2/3. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SAS statistics software (SAS 9.3) (2003). Results from the study revealed that supplementation of probiotics had no effect on feed intake (FI) in all of the experimental groups. However, supplementation of probiotics in P3 treatment resulted in greater average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Microbial count of fecal samples from all the treatment groups did not differ while ileum samples had lower enteric bacteria in P3 group as compared to other treatments. Concentration of albumin, globulin, neutrophils and basophils were high in NC treatment compared to other treatments. (p < 0.05). IgG concentration was highest in P3 compared to other treatment (p < 0.05). All probiotics strains showed high hydrophobicity to all solvents used in the test. Cell Surface Hydrophobic was highest in xylene (78percent – 84percent), followed by chloroform (68percent – 75percent) and lowest in ethyl acetate (52percent - 60percent). All of the test strains showed high auto-aggregation ability after 4 hr of incubation. L .reuteri VB4 exhibited highest auto-aggregation ability of 70percent, while the least auto-aggregation ability of 60percent was observed for L. salivarius ZJ614. In the co-aggregation assays, all probiotic bacterial strains exhibited a strong co-aggregation of 45percent to 56percent after 4 hr of incubation at 37 °C. L. reuteri VB4 exhibited highest co-aggregation ability while L. salivarius ZJ614 exhibited the lowest co-aggregation ability. No presence of virulence genes ace and asa was detected in all of the putative probiotic strains, but agg virulence gene was detected in L. reuteri VB4 strains. L. reuteri VB4 and S. salivarius NBRC13956 had resistance genes vanC 2/3 and vanC1, respectively. Overall, the results from this study, suggest that the candidate probiotics strains have enhanced the growth and measured blood parameters of the weaned piglets used in these experiments, and also, the probiotic strains have the abilities to initiate the stimulation of IgG. Probiotics could be used as a novel alternative to antibiotics in the animal nutrition and production, with the abilities to confer health benefits and promote growth. The outcome of the research advocates that these probiotics will be beneficial to pig production, and might outcompete the current antibiotics in use as growth promoters. One of the major advantages of probiotics to pig industry is the production of antibiotic free and good quality pork meat to local and international consumers, thus, enhancing South African Pork industry.
- Full Text:
Detection and antibiogram profile of members of the vibrio species in Umzimvubu, Swartkops and Buffalo rivers the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: September, Dolly Thandeka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water -- Fluoridation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15221 , vital:40255
- Description: Freshwaterbodies are often recipients of a wide array of infectious agents yet they serve as immediate sources of water supply. Brackish and freshwater rivers support the growth of Vibrio species, which are the leading cause of diarrheal infections in the world. Their occurrence in these environments is detrimental to the health and well-being of many communities. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the occurrence and antibiogram profile of Vibrio species in Swartkops, UMzimvubu and Buffalo rivers. The rivers are important sources of freshwater supplies for some communities around the Eastern Cape Province, and water samples were collected once off from each of the sites, using standard membrane filtration method to concentrate the samples. Cultivation was carried out on Thiosulfate Citrate-Bile Salt Sucrose (TCBS) agar, were typical yellow/green colonies were enumerated as presumptive Vibrio species and expressed as CFU/100mL. Presumptive Vibrio counts ranged from 0 to 1.67 × 103 CFU/100mL, 0 to 6.42 ×102 CFU/100mL and 0 to 3.28×103 CFU/100ml in the uMzimvubu, Swartkops and Buffalo rivers respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was employed for molecular identification of the Vibrio isolates. Two hundred (200) presumptive Vibrio species were screened for molecular identification, and 185 isolates confirmed positive as belonging to the Vibrio genus. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates was determined using a panel of 12 commercial test antibiotics. All the confirmed Vibrio species showed 98 to 100percent multiple antibiotic resistance against all the test antibiotics from the three study sites. The most predominant phenotypic pattern of multidrug resistance displayed by the isolates was CAZ-PEN-AMP-CIP-AK-AZM-TET-CAM-CTX-STX-GEN-IPM showing 100percent resistance to all 12 antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) on average was 1 for all the three rivers assessed. This finding suggest high possibility of antibiotic pollution and usage around the study areas, and occurrence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio species carrying antibiotic resistant genes, which is a major public and environmental health concern.
- Full Text:
- Authors: September, Dolly Thandeka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water -- Fluoridation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15221 , vital:40255
- Description: Freshwaterbodies are often recipients of a wide array of infectious agents yet they serve as immediate sources of water supply. Brackish and freshwater rivers support the growth of Vibrio species, which are the leading cause of diarrheal infections in the world. Their occurrence in these environments is detrimental to the health and well-being of many communities. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the occurrence and antibiogram profile of Vibrio species in Swartkops, UMzimvubu and Buffalo rivers. The rivers are important sources of freshwater supplies for some communities around the Eastern Cape Province, and water samples were collected once off from each of the sites, using standard membrane filtration method to concentrate the samples. Cultivation was carried out on Thiosulfate Citrate-Bile Salt Sucrose (TCBS) agar, were typical yellow/green colonies were enumerated as presumptive Vibrio species and expressed as CFU/100mL. Presumptive Vibrio counts ranged from 0 to 1.67 × 103 CFU/100mL, 0 to 6.42 ×102 CFU/100mL and 0 to 3.28×103 CFU/100ml in the uMzimvubu, Swartkops and Buffalo rivers respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was employed for molecular identification of the Vibrio isolates. Two hundred (200) presumptive Vibrio species were screened for molecular identification, and 185 isolates confirmed positive as belonging to the Vibrio genus. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates was determined using a panel of 12 commercial test antibiotics. All the confirmed Vibrio species showed 98 to 100percent multiple antibiotic resistance against all the test antibiotics from the three study sites. The most predominant phenotypic pattern of multidrug resistance displayed by the isolates was CAZ-PEN-AMP-CIP-AK-AZM-TET-CAM-CTX-STX-GEN-IPM showing 100percent resistance to all 12 antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) on average was 1 for all the three rivers assessed. This finding suggest high possibility of antibiotic pollution and usage around the study areas, and occurrence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio species carrying antibiotic resistant genes, which is a major public and environmental health concern.
- Full Text:
Evaluation of the physicochemical qualities and heavy metal regimes of the final effluents of some wastewater treatment facilties in Berlin, Alice and Bedford communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Agoro, Mojeed Adedoyin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sewage -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5003 , vital:28924
- Description: Wastewater treatment facilities have been identified as potential source of surface water pollution worldwide. In this study, the physicochemical qualities and heavy metal (including Zinc, Cadmium, Iron, Lead and Copper) concentrations in the final effluents, as well as the reduction efficiencies of three municipal wastewater plants in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were evaluated from September 2015 to February 2016 using standard methods. Wastewater effluent and sludge samples were collected from the selected plants on monthly basis over a period of six months from September 2015 to February 2016. Standard analytical method (Atomic absorption spectroscopy [AAS]) was used to assess the concentration levels of heavy metals. The physicochemical parameters assessed include pH, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Turbidity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen, Free chlorine, Chloride, Sulphate, Phosphate, Ammonium and Electrical Conductivity. The results of the evaluation showed that temperature ranges from 19 to 36 °C, Electrical Conductivity from 60-1095 mS/m, Alkalinity from 2.6-20.9 mg/L, Nitrate from 0.24-26.5 mg/L, Nitrite from 0.01-90 mg/L, Phosphate from 0.02-5.12 mg/L, Ammonium from 0.06-112 mg/L, Sulphate from 3-72 mg/L, Chloride from 3.25-224 mg/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand from 17-394 mg/L and Turbidity from 1.96-715 NTU. Free chlorine concentrations and dissolved oxygen were within the recommended limits for most part of the sampling period and ranged between 0.17-0.48 mg/L and 0.19-21.9 mg/L respectively. The pH, Phosphate, Sulphate and Free chlorine were within acceptable limits while Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Turbidity, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Chloride, Ammonium, Nitrate and Nitrite were not within specified limits. The reduction efficiencies observed generally ranged between 43.9 and 100 percent at all sampling points while zinc and lead were not detected throughout the sampling period. Cadmium showed low reduction rate ranging from 0 to 11.7 percent, while the rate of Copper reduction ranged from 0 to25 percent in January and February 2016. Zinc, lead and cadmium were generally not detected in the sludge samples except in January and February which could be due to the prevailing atmospheric conditions during the sampling period. Cu and Fe were detected through the sampling months of the study. We conclude that these municipal sewage plants are sources of pollution to their receiving watersheds and threats to public and environmental health.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Agoro, Mojeed Adedoyin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sewage -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5003 , vital:28924
- Description: Wastewater treatment facilities have been identified as potential source of surface water pollution worldwide. In this study, the physicochemical qualities and heavy metal (including Zinc, Cadmium, Iron, Lead and Copper) concentrations in the final effluents, as well as the reduction efficiencies of three municipal wastewater plants in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were evaluated from September 2015 to February 2016 using standard methods. Wastewater effluent and sludge samples were collected from the selected plants on monthly basis over a period of six months from September 2015 to February 2016. Standard analytical method (Atomic absorption spectroscopy [AAS]) was used to assess the concentration levels of heavy metals. The physicochemical parameters assessed include pH, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Turbidity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen, Free chlorine, Chloride, Sulphate, Phosphate, Ammonium and Electrical Conductivity. The results of the evaluation showed that temperature ranges from 19 to 36 °C, Electrical Conductivity from 60-1095 mS/m, Alkalinity from 2.6-20.9 mg/L, Nitrate from 0.24-26.5 mg/L, Nitrite from 0.01-90 mg/L, Phosphate from 0.02-5.12 mg/L, Ammonium from 0.06-112 mg/L, Sulphate from 3-72 mg/L, Chloride from 3.25-224 mg/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand from 17-394 mg/L and Turbidity from 1.96-715 NTU. Free chlorine concentrations and dissolved oxygen were within the recommended limits for most part of the sampling period and ranged between 0.17-0.48 mg/L and 0.19-21.9 mg/L respectively. The pH, Phosphate, Sulphate and Free chlorine were within acceptable limits while Electrical Conductivity, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Turbidity, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Chloride, Ammonium, Nitrate and Nitrite were not within specified limits. The reduction efficiencies observed generally ranged between 43.9 and 100 percent at all sampling points while zinc and lead were not detected throughout the sampling period. Cadmium showed low reduction rate ranging from 0 to 11.7 percent, while the rate of Copper reduction ranged from 0 to25 percent in January and February 2016. Zinc, lead and cadmium were generally not detected in the sludge samples except in January and February which could be due to the prevailing atmospheric conditions during the sampling period. Cu and Fe were detected through the sampling months of the study. We conclude that these municipal sewage plants are sources of pollution to their receiving watersheds and threats to public and environmental health.
- Full Text:
Physiochemical and heavy metals fingerprints of the final effluents of Adelaide and Seymour wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mutukwa, Dorcas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification Effluent quality -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8089 , vital:31520
- Description: Wastewater contains pathogens, heavy metals, nutrients, organic matter and other toxic chemicals and when discharged into the environment without proper treatment, it may cause adverse health problems and environment degradation. There have been reports in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa of inadequate treated wastewater effluents being discharged into freshwater environments. This study reports on the physicochemical and heavy metals qualities for two wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over a six-month sampling period (September 2015 to February 2016). Wastewater effluent samples were collected from the influents, final effluents and receiving waterbodies as well as sludge samples in replicates. The physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods (APHA, 2012). The acid digested heavy metals samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (iCE 3500 Thermo Fisher Spectrometer). The concentrations were compared to recommended limits used in South Africa and World Health Organisation (WHO). Physicochemical qualities assessed at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: temperature (21.6 - 30.5 oC), turbidity (2.1 – 71.3 NTU), electrical conductivity (EC) (743.0 – 898.3 μ/Scm) and dissolved oxygen (DO) (2.11 – 3.50 mg/L) while the ranges of the parameter assessed at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: chemical dissolved oxygen (COD) (41.7 – 115.3 mg/L), EC (628 and 797.7 μ/Scm) and nitrates (4.6 – 11.0 mg/L. The heavy metals concentration for the final effluents at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: Cd (0 – 0.002 mg/L), Cu (0 – 0.096 mg/L) and Fe (0 – 0.498 mg/L). Cu concentrations in sludge at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged between 83.82 and 132.07 mg/L. Reduction efficiencies of Adelaide in removing chlorides and sulphates were 33 and 36 percent respectively. Findings of study revealed negative impacts of inadequately treated effluents on receiving waterbodies and this puts communities which rely on the water as immediate source of fresh water for domestic purposes at health risk.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mutukwa, Dorcas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification Effluent quality -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8089 , vital:31520
- Description: Wastewater contains pathogens, heavy metals, nutrients, organic matter and other toxic chemicals and when discharged into the environment without proper treatment, it may cause adverse health problems and environment degradation. There have been reports in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa of inadequate treated wastewater effluents being discharged into freshwater environments. This study reports on the physicochemical and heavy metals qualities for two wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over a six-month sampling period (September 2015 to February 2016). Wastewater effluent samples were collected from the influents, final effluents and receiving waterbodies as well as sludge samples in replicates. The physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods (APHA, 2012). The acid digested heavy metals samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (iCE 3500 Thermo Fisher Spectrometer). The concentrations were compared to recommended limits used in South Africa and World Health Organisation (WHO). Physicochemical qualities assessed at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: temperature (21.6 - 30.5 oC), turbidity (2.1 – 71.3 NTU), electrical conductivity (EC) (743.0 – 898.3 μ/Scm) and dissolved oxygen (DO) (2.11 – 3.50 mg/L) while the ranges of the parameter assessed at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: chemical dissolved oxygen (COD) (41.7 – 115.3 mg/L), EC (628 and 797.7 μ/Scm) and nitrates (4.6 – 11.0 mg/L. The heavy metals concentration for the final effluents at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: Cd (0 – 0.002 mg/L), Cu (0 – 0.096 mg/L) and Fe (0 – 0.498 mg/L). Cu concentrations in sludge at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged between 83.82 and 132.07 mg/L. Reduction efficiencies of Adelaide in removing chlorides and sulphates were 33 and 36 percent respectively. Findings of study revealed negative impacts of inadequately treated effluents on receiving waterbodies and this puts communities which rely on the water as immediate source of fresh water for domestic purposes at health risk.
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Prevalence of Group B streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus colonization in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Stofile, P Z
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Streptococcal infections Staphylococcus aureus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5983 , vital:29462
- Description: Neonatal sickness and death is increasingly becoming a public health problem worldwide. The colonization of Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in the rectovaginal area is among the sources of infections in neonates which can result in illness and mortality. The over exposure of humans to antibiotics is the possible cause of resistance in bacteria. These resistant strains can be passed onto offspring, leading to resistant infections and increasing the morbidity of neonates because of treatment failures. Many people, including healthcare personnel are not aware of the effect of these bacteria, and informing clinics and hospitals can help create awareness and monitoring the levels of resistance among bacteria can assist in preventing the transference of the bacteria. In this study we investigated the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Staphylococcus aureus in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 49 isolates from 25 (30.5 percent) pregnant women colonized with GBS were isolated from vaginal and rectal swabs of 82 pregnant women at 25-37 gestation who participated in this study. These isolates were obtained using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique aimed at the ScpB gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of 9 serogroups (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII) and serogroups Ib 2 (4.8 percent), II 20 (40.8 percent) and IV 5 (10.2 percent) and 22 non-typable (44.9 percent) were identified. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates to 12 antibiotics (tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamycin, naladixic acid, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, imipenem, penicillin and vancomycin) was tested in vitro by the standardized disc diffusion method. All the confirmed GBS isolates (49) were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin. A higher percentage of the isolates were resistant to gentamycin 44 (90 percent), nalidixic acid 41 (84 percent), penicillin 41 (84 percent), chloramphenicol 38 (78 percent), cefuroxime 36 (74 percent), imipenem 36 (74 percent), cefotaxime 35 (71 percent), norfloxacin 32 (65 percent) and vancomycin 31 (78 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 9‒11 and indices ranged from 0.7‒0.9, respectively. Among the antimicrobial resistance determinants examined, genes encoding for resistance to erythromycin ermB 25 (51 percent), tetracycline tetM 32 (65 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 4 (8 percent) only were identified. On the other hand, screening for S. aureus yielded a total of 7 isolates from 4 study participants as confirmed by PCR based on staphylococcal, nuc gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Hla, Hlb, LUKM, LUKED, PVL, Eta and Etb) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the disc diffusion method using 12 (penicillin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, imipenem, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, oxacillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) antibiotics that are adopted in the treatment of infections caused by the organism. PVL 6 (85.7 percent) and eta 1 (14.3 percent) were the two virulence genes detected. The following percentages of antibiotics resistance among the isolates were observed; penicillin G 7 (100 percent), clindamycin 7 (100 percent), vancomycin 5 (100 percent), rifampicin 5 (71 percent), oxacillin 5 (71 percent), erythromycin 5 (71 percent) gentamycin 3 (43 percent), norfloxacin 3 (43 percent), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 3 (43 percent), chloramphenicol 2 (29 percent), imipenem 1 (14 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 7‒8 and indices ranged from 0.6‒0.7, respectively. Genetic profiling of the resistance genes identified erythromycin ermB 5(71.4 percent), tetracycline tetM 5(71.4 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 1(14.3 percent) only. The findings from the study have revealed GBS and S. aureus colonization of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, and these have great public health implications especially for the neonates who are mostly likely to be infected during birth. The unidentifiable multidrug resistant serogroups of GBS as well as resistant S. aureus limit the choice of drugs in the management of infections caused by these pathogens more so if transmitted to infants. Therefore asymptomatic pregnant women needed to be properly educated about the bacteria as well as the precautions that need to be taken.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stofile, P Z
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Streptococcal infections Staphylococcus aureus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5983 , vital:29462
- Description: Neonatal sickness and death is increasingly becoming a public health problem worldwide. The colonization of Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in the rectovaginal area is among the sources of infections in neonates which can result in illness and mortality. The over exposure of humans to antibiotics is the possible cause of resistance in bacteria. These resistant strains can be passed onto offspring, leading to resistant infections and increasing the morbidity of neonates because of treatment failures. Many people, including healthcare personnel are not aware of the effect of these bacteria, and informing clinics and hospitals can help create awareness and monitoring the levels of resistance among bacteria can assist in preventing the transference of the bacteria. In this study we investigated the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Staphylococcus aureus in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 49 isolates from 25 (30.5 percent) pregnant women colonized with GBS were isolated from vaginal and rectal swabs of 82 pregnant women at 25-37 gestation who participated in this study. These isolates were obtained using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique aimed at the ScpB gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of 9 serogroups (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII) and serogroups Ib 2 (4.8 percent), II 20 (40.8 percent) and IV 5 (10.2 percent) and 22 non-typable (44.9 percent) were identified. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates to 12 antibiotics (tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamycin, naladixic acid, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, imipenem, penicillin and vancomycin) was tested in vitro by the standardized disc diffusion method. All the confirmed GBS isolates (49) were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin. A higher percentage of the isolates were resistant to gentamycin 44 (90 percent), nalidixic acid 41 (84 percent), penicillin 41 (84 percent), chloramphenicol 38 (78 percent), cefuroxime 36 (74 percent), imipenem 36 (74 percent), cefotaxime 35 (71 percent), norfloxacin 32 (65 percent) and vancomycin 31 (78 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 9‒11 and indices ranged from 0.7‒0.9, respectively. Among the antimicrobial resistance determinants examined, genes encoding for resistance to erythromycin ermB 25 (51 percent), tetracycline tetM 32 (65 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 4 (8 percent) only were identified. On the other hand, screening for S. aureus yielded a total of 7 isolates from 4 study participants as confirmed by PCR based on staphylococcal, nuc gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Hla, Hlb, LUKM, LUKED, PVL, Eta and Etb) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the disc diffusion method using 12 (penicillin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, imipenem, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, oxacillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) antibiotics that are adopted in the treatment of infections caused by the organism. PVL 6 (85.7 percent) and eta 1 (14.3 percent) were the two virulence genes detected. The following percentages of antibiotics resistance among the isolates were observed; penicillin G 7 (100 percent), clindamycin 7 (100 percent), vancomycin 5 (100 percent), rifampicin 5 (71 percent), oxacillin 5 (71 percent), erythromycin 5 (71 percent) gentamycin 3 (43 percent), norfloxacin 3 (43 percent), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 3 (43 percent), chloramphenicol 2 (29 percent), imipenem 1 (14 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 7‒8 and indices ranged from 0.6‒0.7, respectively. Genetic profiling of the resistance genes identified erythromycin ermB 5(71.4 percent), tetracycline tetM 5(71.4 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 1(14.3 percent) only. The findings from the study have revealed GBS and S. aureus colonization of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, and these have great public health implications especially for the neonates who are mostly likely to be infected during birth. The unidentifiable multidrug resistant serogroups of GBS as well as resistant S. aureus limit the choice of drugs in the management of infections caused by these pathogens more so if transmitted to infants. Therefore asymptomatic pregnant women needed to be properly educated about the bacteria as well as the precautions that need to be taken.
- Full Text:
Quality indices of the Eastern Cape beach waters in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mani, Sinalo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Waterfronts -- Recreational use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19054 , vital:40108
- Description: Surface waters constitute important sources of water and serve for agricultural, recreational and industrial purposes; however, the vulnerability of such water sources to pollution presents serious ecological, public health and economic problems of global concerns. Beach water quality is monitored to reduce the risk of recreational waterborne illnesses. Water samples were collected between September 2014 and August 2015 at Eastern beach and a total of 5 physicochemical parameters, counts of faecal coliforms, E. coli and Enterococcus isolates were determined using standard analytical procedures. Confirmed Escherichia coli isolates were assessed for virulence genes associated with pathogenic E. coli strains responsible for intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Recovered E. coli isolates were then interpreted for their antibiogram profiling using disk diffusion method. On the other hand, the recovered Enterococcus isolates were characterized for Enterococcus speciation of key species that are normally implicated in infections and further assessed for their antibiogram profiling by disk diffusion method. The physicochemical qualities of the water ranged as follows: turbidity (1.4 to 36.8 NTU); pH (7.0 to 8.6); temperature (14.5 to 24.5 ºC); total dissolved solids (TDS) (5.2 to 46 mg/L) and electrical conductivity (EC) (8.2 to 70.7 μS/cm). Microbiological qualities obtained were as follows: faecal coliform (101 to 103 CFU/100 mL); Escherichia coli (101 to 103 CFU/100 mL); and enterococci (101 CFU/100 mL to 102 CFU/100 mL). Only 38/104 (37 percent) harbored at least 1 virulence gene while 66/104 (63 percent) of the isolates harbored none. Most frequent virulence genes were eae for EPEC/EHEC, fliCH7 for EHEC, ibeA for NMEC, while daaE for DAEC and ipaH for EIEC were discovered in three isolates each; bfp for EPEC was detected in 2 isolates and lt gene for ETEC in one isolate. EAEC and UPEC genes were not detected in all the isolates. All tested isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, gentamycin and chloramphenicol (85 percent), ciprofloxacin (78 percent), trimethoprim (54 percent) and norfloxacin (54 percent) and the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index for all isolates ranged between 0.6- 1.0 with the average being 0.8, which exceeded the threshold value of 0.2. Among the 96 recovered Enterococcus isolates, 55 percent were identified as E. faecium, 22 percent were E. hirae, 2 percent were E. durans and 21 percent were uncharacterized Enterococcus species. E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus were not detected amongst the isolates. All isolates were resistant to vancomycin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol. While the resistance against other antibiotics followed the order: tetracycline (97 percent), gentamycin (96 percent), ciprofloxacin (93 percent), linezolid (91 percent), ampicillin (91 percent) and trimethoprim (62percent). Only 6 percent of the isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim and the MAR index for all isolates ranged between 0.6- 1.0 with the average being 0.9 which greater than 0.2, suggesting that these bacterial strains originates from environments with high use or contamination of antibiotics.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mani, Sinalo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Waterfronts -- Recreational use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19054 , vital:40108
- Description: Surface waters constitute important sources of water and serve for agricultural, recreational and industrial purposes; however, the vulnerability of such water sources to pollution presents serious ecological, public health and economic problems of global concerns. Beach water quality is monitored to reduce the risk of recreational waterborne illnesses. Water samples were collected between September 2014 and August 2015 at Eastern beach and a total of 5 physicochemical parameters, counts of faecal coliforms, E. coli and Enterococcus isolates were determined using standard analytical procedures. Confirmed Escherichia coli isolates were assessed for virulence genes associated with pathogenic E. coli strains responsible for intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Recovered E. coli isolates were then interpreted for their antibiogram profiling using disk diffusion method. On the other hand, the recovered Enterococcus isolates were characterized for Enterococcus speciation of key species that are normally implicated in infections and further assessed for their antibiogram profiling by disk diffusion method. The physicochemical qualities of the water ranged as follows: turbidity (1.4 to 36.8 NTU); pH (7.0 to 8.6); temperature (14.5 to 24.5 ºC); total dissolved solids (TDS) (5.2 to 46 mg/L) and electrical conductivity (EC) (8.2 to 70.7 μS/cm). Microbiological qualities obtained were as follows: faecal coliform (101 to 103 CFU/100 mL); Escherichia coli (101 to 103 CFU/100 mL); and enterococci (101 CFU/100 mL to 102 CFU/100 mL). Only 38/104 (37 percent) harbored at least 1 virulence gene while 66/104 (63 percent) of the isolates harbored none. Most frequent virulence genes were eae for EPEC/EHEC, fliCH7 for EHEC, ibeA for NMEC, while daaE for DAEC and ipaH for EIEC were discovered in three isolates each; bfp for EPEC was detected in 2 isolates and lt gene for ETEC in one isolate. EAEC and UPEC genes were not detected in all the isolates. All tested isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, gentamycin and chloramphenicol (85 percent), ciprofloxacin (78 percent), trimethoprim (54 percent) and norfloxacin (54 percent) and the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index for all isolates ranged between 0.6- 1.0 with the average being 0.8, which exceeded the threshold value of 0.2. Among the 96 recovered Enterococcus isolates, 55 percent were identified as E. faecium, 22 percent were E. hirae, 2 percent were E. durans and 21 percent were uncharacterized Enterococcus species. E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus were not detected amongst the isolates. All isolates were resistant to vancomycin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol. While the resistance against other antibiotics followed the order: tetracycline (97 percent), gentamycin (96 percent), ciprofloxacin (93 percent), linezolid (91 percent), ampicillin (91 percent) and trimethoprim (62percent). Only 6 percent of the isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim and the MAR index for all isolates ranged between 0.6- 1.0 with the average being 0.9 which greater than 0.2, suggesting that these bacterial strains originates from environments with high use or contamination of antibiotics.
- Full Text:
Quality indices of the Nahoon beach and canal in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ebomah, Kingsley Ehi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pathogenic bacteria -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Measurement Water -- Microbiology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8122 , vital:31525
- Description: Faecal indicator bacteria have long been recommended for usage in water quality monitoring of various water sources including surface water. A large number of people in different parts of the world often engage in recreational and other commercial activities at the various beaches along the coastal lines, most especially, during summer season and festive periods. It is generally assumed that beach water is safe all the times, however, there have been increasing reports of beach and other coastal water pollutions because of rising anthropogenic activities around coastal areas globally. The presence of pathogens in faecal contaminated beach water either directly or indirectly increases the risk of human exposure which may result in skin infections as well as the ingestion and transmission of multidrug resistant pathogens. Microorganisms may gain entry into beach water directly from improperly treated final effluents released by wastewater treatment plants and from agricultural runoffs and/or faulty drainages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality indices of the Nahoon Beach and canal waters in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In order to achieve this aim, the objectives of this study were as follow: to determine the seasonal variations of the physicochemical characteristics of the Nahoon beach and canal waters, to assess the microbiological quality of the beach water by assessing the prevalence of potentially E. coli and Enterococcus species, and to evaluate the antibiogram profile of the E. coli pathotypes and Enterococci species recovered from the beach water samples. Water samples were collected bi-weekly for a period of twelve months, during which on-site physicochemical analyses were carried out. Bacteriological assessment was performed using the membrane filtration technique and the necessary incubation conditions were followed. Identification of the target organisms was done by molecular based methods using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) while antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion method. During the spring season (August to October) and periods of festive activities (December, January and March), it was observed that turbidity was at its highest, consequently, influencing total dissolved solids and a rise in the values of pH and electrical conductivity. Microbiological qualities assessed follow the order: Escherichia coli (101 – 103 CFU/100ml) and Enterococcus (101 – 102 CFU/100 ml). The results show that 41.2percent (107/260) of the presumptive E. coli isolates were positive for uidA gene. A total of 73 out of 107 (68.2percent) PCR-confirmed E. coli isolates were observed to belong to different pathotypes while 59percent (102/172) of the presumptive Enterococcus strains isolated were positive for SodA gene (Enterococcus spp.). Out of 102 enterococci isolates, 45 strains were identified as species (E. faecalis and E. faecium) and these were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The E. coli strains exhibited a frequency of 100percent resistance against ampicillin while the Enterococcus strains also showed 100percent resistance against vancomycin and linezolid. Target genes eae 11 (10.3percent); ipaH 14 (13.1percent); ibeA 48 (44.9percent) that encode pathogenicity in E. coli were successfully amplified by PCR suggesting that the isolates are potentially pathogenic strains whereas Enterococcus spp. including Enterococcus faecalis 26 (25.5percent) and Enterococcus faecium 19 (18.6percent) were also identified in the water samples. In this study, the phenotypic antibiogram profiles of the E. coli isolates revealed that all 73 (100percent) of the pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin, 67 (91.8percent) were resistant to amikacin, gentamicin and ceftazidime while about 61 (83.6percent) and 51 (69.9percent) were resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin as well as trimethoprim respectively. About 21.9percent (16) of the E. coli isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances with 100percent being resistant to eight antibiotics whereas multiple antimicrobial resistances were observed in 14 (31percent) of the enterococci strains and the most predominant profile was the simultaneous resistance to ampicillin, penicillin and vancomycin. The results obtained in this study show that the beach water generally did not comply with the set guidelines. The results also suggest the possible survival and prevalence of potentially virulent E. coli as well as Enterococcus strains in the aquatic environment which may be a cause of concern for public health. Monitoring of the quality of surface water and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is of great importance and has clinical and human health significance. Nonetheless, this study underscores the need for more detailed study of other waterborne pathogens of health importance including enteric viruses to ascertain the safety of the beach for human use.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ebomah, Kingsley Ehi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pathogenic bacteria -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Measurement Water -- Microbiology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8122 , vital:31525
- Description: Faecal indicator bacteria have long been recommended for usage in water quality monitoring of various water sources including surface water. A large number of people in different parts of the world often engage in recreational and other commercial activities at the various beaches along the coastal lines, most especially, during summer season and festive periods. It is generally assumed that beach water is safe all the times, however, there have been increasing reports of beach and other coastal water pollutions because of rising anthropogenic activities around coastal areas globally. The presence of pathogens in faecal contaminated beach water either directly or indirectly increases the risk of human exposure which may result in skin infections as well as the ingestion and transmission of multidrug resistant pathogens. Microorganisms may gain entry into beach water directly from improperly treated final effluents released by wastewater treatment plants and from agricultural runoffs and/or faulty drainages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality indices of the Nahoon Beach and canal waters in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In order to achieve this aim, the objectives of this study were as follow: to determine the seasonal variations of the physicochemical characteristics of the Nahoon beach and canal waters, to assess the microbiological quality of the beach water by assessing the prevalence of potentially E. coli and Enterococcus species, and to evaluate the antibiogram profile of the E. coli pathotypes and Enterococci species recovered from the beach water samples. Water samples were collected bi-weekly for a period of twelve months, during which on-site physicochemical analyses were carried out. Bacteriological assessment was performed using the membrane filtration technique and the necessary incubation conditions were followed. Identification of the target organisms was done by molecular based methods using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) while antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion method. During the spring season (August to October) and periods of festive activities (December, January and March), it was observed that turbidity was at its highest, consequently, influencing total dissolved solids and a rise in the values of pH and electrical conductivity. Microbiological qualities assessed follow the order: Escherichia coli (101 – 103 CFU/100ml) and Enterococcus (101 – 102 CFU/100 ml). The results show that 41.2percent (107/260) of the presumptive E. coli isolates were positive for uidA gene. A total of 73 out of 107 (68.2percent) PCR-confirmed E. coli isolates were observed to belong to different pathotypes while 59percent (102/172) of the presumptive Enterococcus strains isolated were positive for SodA gene (Enterococcus spp.). Out of 102 enterococci isolates, 45 strains were identified as species (E. faecalis and E. faecium) and these were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The E. coli strains exhibited a frequency of 100percent resistance against ampicillin while the Enterococcus strains also showed 100percent resistance against vancomycin and linezolid. Target genes eae 11 (10.3percent); ipaH 14 (13.1percent); ibeA 48 (44.9percent) that encode pathogenicity in E. coli were successfully amplified by PCR suggesting that the isolates are potentially pathogenic strains whereas Enterococcus spp. including Enterococcus faecalis 26 (25.5percent) and Enterococcus faecium 19 (18.6percent) were also identified in the water samples. In this study, the phenotypic antibiogram profiles of the E. coli isolates revealed that all 73 (100percent) of the pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin, 67 (91.8percent) were resistant to amikacin, gentamicin and ceftazidime while about 61 (83.6percent) and 51 (69.9percent) were resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin as well as trimethoprim respectively. About 21.9percent (16) of the E. coli isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances with 100percent being resistant to eight antibiotics whereas multiple antimicrobial resistances were observed in 14 (31percent) of the enterococci strains and the most predominant profile was the simultaneous resistance to ampicillin, penicillin and vancomycin. The results obtained in this study show that the beach water generally did not comply with the set guidelines. The results also suggest the possible survival and prevalence of potentially virulent E. coli as well as Enterococcus strains in the aquatic environment which may be a cause of concern for public health. Monitoring of the quality of surface water and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is of great importance and has clinical and human health significance. Nonetheless, this study underscores the need for more detailed study of other waterborne pathogens of health importance including enteric viruses to ascertain the safety of the beach for human use.
- Full Text:
Spatial and seasonal distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants and phenolic derivatives along the course of the Buffalo River in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Yahaya, Abdulrazaq
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organic water pollutants Water -- Purification -- Organic compounds removal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5939 , vital:29448
- Description:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fall under a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in environmental matrices such as soil and water, and are used in industrial, domestic and agricultural applications. Because of their volatility and lipophilicity, POPs can be transported far away from their point sources and bio-accumulate in food and in fatty tissues of humans and animals. In view of their toxicity and carcinogenicity some organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phenolic derivatives (chlorophenol and nitrophenol) have been classified by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pollutants. The present work evaluated the distribution patterns of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners, 17 organochlorine pesticides and selected phenolic derivatives (USEPA 11-priority pollutants) in the Buffalo River, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between December 2015 and May 2016. The Liquid-liquid extraction technique was used for PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives in the river water samples. Silica gel and florisil clean up were carried out for PCBs and OCPs samples respectively and analyzed with gas chromatography electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Phenolic compounds were derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Limits of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and relative standard deviation (RSD) for the PCBs were 10 to 330 ng/L, 20 to 1,060 ng/L and 1.18 to 14.1 percent respectively. The LOD, LOQ and RSD for the OCPs were from 20 - 60 ng/L, 110 - 530 ng/L and 0.02 - 0.06 percent, while the corresponding values for the phenolic derivatives were 10 to 70 ng/L, 33 to 222 ng/L and 1.99 - 10.86 percent. In summer, the concentrations of PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives ranged from
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yahaya, Abdulrazaq
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organic water pollutants Water -- Purification -- Organic compounds removal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5939 , vital:29448
- Description:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fall under a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in environmental matrices such as soil and water, and are used in industrial, domestic and agricultural applications. Because of their volatility and lipophilicity, POPs can be transported far away from their point sources and bio-accumulate in food and in fatty tissues of humans and animals. In view of their toxicity and carcinogenicity some organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phenolic derivatives (chlorophenol and nitrophenol) have been classified by United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pollutants. The present work evaluated the distribution patterns of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners, 17 organochlorine pesticides and selected phenolic derivatives (USEPA 11-priority pollutants) in the Buffalo River, in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa between December 2015 and May 2016. The Liquid-liquid extraction technique was used for PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives in the river water samples. Silica gel and florisil clean up were carried out for PCBs and OCPs samples respectively and analyzed with gas chromatography electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Phenolic compounds were derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Limits of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and relative standard deviation (RSD) for the PCBs were 10 to 330 ng/L, 20 to 1,060 ng/L and 1.18 to 14.1 percent respectively. The LOD, LOQ and RSD for the OCPs were from 20 - 60 ng/L, 110 - 530 ng/L and 0.02 - 0.06 percent, while the corresponding values for the phenolic derivatives were 10 to 70 ng/L, 33 to 222 ng/L and 1.99 - 10.86 percent. In summer, the concentrations of PCBs, OCPs and phenolic derivatives ranged from
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