Research Article
Assessment of Health Conditions of the Fish Handlers in the Two Fishing Communities of the Gambia
Evelyn Anuli Uyamadu*
,
Samba Camara,
Mansour Badjie
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
48-59
Received:
8 June 2025
Accepted:
24 June 2025
Published:
30 July 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Because of their jobs and work conditions, fish handlers are susceptible to several health problems. This study aimed to assess various health challenges faced by fish handlers in the Gambia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which 231 fish handlers were selected randomly from Tanji and Banjul fishing communities in the Gambia. Data on the various health problems common among them were gathered through focus group discussions and interviewer-administered questionnaires, and COHgb monitoring was done with a Rad 57 CO-oximeter. They were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and an analytical statistical test was used to test for association using the chi-square at a 95% significance level. Results: The commonest health symptoms reported by the respondents in Tanji and Banjul were headache (85.7% and 81.8%); dizziness (74.7% and 61.0%); abdominal pain (51.3% and 80.5%); common cold (59.1% and 80.5%); tightness or discomfort in the chest (58.4% and 57.1%), eye irritation (49.4% and 57.1%. The commonest perceived factors reported in Tanji and Banjul were lack of sleep (72.7% and 59.7%); heavy smoke from boat engines (72.1% and 70.1%); poor diet (57.8% and 58.4%); Capsizing (68.85 and 51.9%); fish scaling process (72.1% and 70.1%) and Ergonomic (57.8% and 58.4%). Chi-square analysis revealed that the COHgb values of smoking and non-smoking fish smokers, fish traders, and fish dryers were not significantly different between Tanji and Banjul. However, the comparison of COHgb values of non-smoking fishermen in Tanji and Banjul was significant. Conclusion: findings from the study revealed several health issues facing fish handlers that need to be tackled. Therefore, the use of safety measures and periodic medical examinations should be encouraged among fish handlers.
Abstract: Introduction: Because of their jobs and work conditions, fish handlers are susceptible to several health problems. This study aimed to assess various health challenges faced by fish handlers in the Gambia. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which 231 fish handlers were selected randomly from Tanji and Banjul fishing communities in the...
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Research Article
Acute Exposure to Dichlorvos and Cypermethrin on Fasting Blood Glucose, Insulin and Liver Enzymes in Male Wistar Rats
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
60-66
Received:
4 July 2025
Accepted:
19 July 2025
Published:
5 August 2025
Abstract: Dichlorvos (DDVP) and Cypermethrin (CP) are major pesticides used in agriculture to control agricultural pests and household insects and pests. Exposure to DDVP and CP is associated with the risk of developing diabetes. However, there are few studies that have reported the dose effects of DDVP and CP exposure on blood glucose levels and liver enzymes. This study investigated the effects of acute exposure to low and high doses of DDVP and CP on fasting blood glucose, insulin and liver enzymes in male Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats weighing between 170 g-200 g were used in the study. They were randomly divided into seven groups of 5 animals per group (N=5). Groups 1, 2 and 3 animals received distilled water, 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg DDVP orally and respectively for 7 days. Animals in groups 4, 5, 6 and 7 received CP12 mg/kg, CP 24 mg/kg, combined DDVP (4 mg/kg) and CP (12 mg/kg), combined DDVP (8 mg/kg) and CP (24 mg/kg) orally and respectively for 7 days. After 7-day treatment and overnight fasting, body weights, fasting blood glucose, insulin level and levels of liver enzymes of the rats were measured. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. Blood glucose was measured using modified glucose oxidase method. Serum levels of insulin and liver enzymes Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase, (ALP) were determined using ELISA. The results of the study showed that acute exposure to low and high doses of Dichlorvos, Cypermethrin, combined DDVP and CP caused significant increase in fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels compared with the control in the rats. However, dichlorvos at low and high doses produced more significant increases in blood glucose and insulin levels compared with low and high doses of CP, and combined DDVP and CP. Also, acute exposure to Dichlorvos and Cypermethrin caused significant decrease in body weights of the animals and increased concentration of liver enzymes. In conclusion, the study showed that acute exposure to low and high doses of DDVP and CP caused insulin resistance and fasting hyperglycemia. Acute exposure to low and high low doses of DDVP and CP also caused liver damage, increase in concentrations of liver enzymes and reduction in body weight of rats.
Abstract: Dichlorvos (DDVP) and Cypermethrin (CP) are major pesticides used in agriculture to control agricultural pests and household insects and pests. Exposure to DDVP and CP is associated with the risk of developing diabetes. However, there are few studies that have reported the dose effects of DDVP and CP exposure on blood glucose levels and liver enzym...
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Research Article
Concentration Levels of Heavy Metals in Tailings, Water and Sweet Potatoes in Artisanal Gold Mining Areas of Kuria West Sub-county, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
67-75
Received:
28 July 2025
Accepted:
6 August 2025
Published:
2 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20251103.13
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Abstract: Artisanal gold mining is an important economic activity in many regions of the world. However, mining activities can lead to the production of large quantities of heavy metal laden wastes which can result to widespread contamination of the environment. This study investigated the levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) in gold mine tailings, panning pond water, river water and sweet potatoes obtained from Kuria West Sub-County, Kenya and evaluated potential health risks among local residents. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test significant difference (p < 0.05) of heavy metal concentrations across the different sampling sites. The mean concentrations for heavy metals such as chromium, copper, arsenic, cadmium and lead differed significantly (p <0.05) among the study sites for tailings. With regard to river water all the heavy metals differed significantly among the study sites (p <0.05). For sweet potatoes, there was no significant difference recorded (p > 0.05) between the study sites. Results showed that tailings had the highest heavy metal mean concentrations (mg/kg) of As (946.45 – 2789.88), Pb (31.71 – 366.21), Zn (54.17 – 118.07), Cr (34.14 – 87.42), Cu (16.97 – 55.52) and Cd (0.32 – 1.85). Heavy metal concentrations in panning ponds water were comparatively lower (i.e., < 2mg/l) and were within the same range (0.0001 – 1.26mg/l). Heavy metal concentrations in river water (mg/l) recorded were Cr (0.031 – 0.184), Cu (0.063 -4.058), Zn (0.097 – 0.824), As (0.002 – 0.666), Cd (0.0001 – 0.0036) and Pb (0.008 – 0.009). The concentrations of heavy metals recorded at the downstream sampling site except Zn exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) set limit for drinking water. The average concentrations for heavy metals in sweet potatoes such as chromium (3.32mg/kg), zinc (12.02mg/kg), Pb (0.44mg/kg) and As (0.31mg/kg) exceeded WHO set limit while Cu (7.57mg/kg) and Cd (0.08mg/kg) were within the recommended levels. The presence of heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pb, and As) in higher concentrations than WHO set limits for sweet potatoes poses a health risk to the residents of Kuria west. In conclusion, it is recommended that mining activities should be regulated and licensed by relevant government agencies. Tailings and waste waters emanating from mining activities should be kept safely before treatment and disposal. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals should be undertaken to determine heavy metal concentrations in areas close to gold mines and further tests should be undertaken to determine heavy metal concentrations in soil, other crops, air and ground water.
Abstract: Artisanal gold mining is an important economic activity in many regions of the world. However, mining activities can lead to the production of large quantities of heavy metal laden wastes which can result to widespread contamination of the environment. This study investigated the levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) in gold mine taili...
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