Nov-Dec 2024

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Evaluation of the Kossodo Wastewater Treatment Plant Efficiency in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Issoufou Ouedraogo, Claude Arnaud Sié Kambou, Michelline Marie Regina Kansole, Césard Millogo, Fotié Rodrigue and Yacouba Konaté

ABSTRACT::Background: In 2004, Burkina Faso established the Kossodo wastewater treatment facility, utilizing a lagoon system. The plant was designed as both a cost-effective and efficient solution, with the additional benefit of enabling the reuse of treated wastewater. Objective: This study aims to examine the current state of its operation, assess the wastewater purification performance, and suggest ways of improving the quality of the effluent with a view to its possible reuse. To achieve this objective, bi-weekly samples were taken over six weeks. Composite sampling was carried out for the raw water, while spot sampling was carried out for the effluent from the maturation basin. Results: The pollution indicators examined consisted of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), filtered COD, 5-day Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Suspended Solids (SS), ammonia nitrogen, nitrates, total phosphorus, and ortho-phosphates. As regards microbial contamination, fecal coliforms and specifically Escherichia Coli were tested. The removal rates for COD and BOD5 were recorded at 20.24% and 82%, respectively. Despite this, the average concentration of TSS in the treated water remained relatively high at 266.72 mg/l, surpassing Burkina Faso's standards for the discharge of treated wastewater into surface water, which are set at 150 mg/l for unrestricted reuse. In addition, pathogen elimination proved to be very poor, or even non-existent, with yields that were sometimes negative. The inadequate purification performance of fecal contamination indicators is reflected in residual concentrations above 2000 CFU/100 ml, well above the standard recommended for discharge into the natural environment in Burkina Faso. Conclusion: It is therefore crucial to improve the operation of this plant to guarantee a better quality of treated effluent, in compliance with current standards.

[ FULL TEXT PDF 1-11 ] DOI: 10.22587/ajbas.2024.18.6.1

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Effects of the combined use of organic fertilizers and microdose fertilization in an agroecological cropping system on the performance of maize (Zea mays L.) in the western zone of Burkina Faso

Pascal Bazongo, Karim Traoré, Isdine Aziz Nambon Da, Pingdwindé Blaise Ouédraogo, Ouola Traoré

ABSTRACT: Background: The agricultural sector contributed 13.6% to the Gross Domestic Product in 2022 and thus remains one of the driving sectors of Burkina Faso's economic and social development. Despite this primordial position, Burkinabe agriculture is struggling to ensure sustainable food for all on a continuous basis. Thus, to occupy its place, it must meet several challenges, including its ability to cope with climate change, which has a negative and considerable impact on our ecosystems. Objective: This study was initiated to evaluate the effects of the combined use of organic fertilizers and micro-dose fertilization in an agroecological growing system on corn performance. The objective was to test the effectiveness and efficiency of the use of fertilizers in an agroecological system. The trial was conducted in a completely randomized Fisher block design with 4 repetitions and 9 treatments: T0 (micro-dose) NPK 62.5kg/ha+ Urea 62.5kg/ha, T1(micro-dose+5t/ha compost+ mulch+ zaï), T2(micro-dose+ 5t/ha manure+ mulch+ zaï), T3(micro dose+ 5t/ha compost+ Moringa extract+ mulch+ zaï), T4 (micro-dose+5t/ha compost+ Magnesium sulfate+ mulch+ zaï) , T5(micro-dose+5t/ha compost+ Liquid fertilizer+ mulch+ zaï), T6(Micro-dose+5t/ha manure+ Moringa extract+ mulch+ zaï), T7(micro-dose+5t/ha manure+ Magnesium sulfate+ mulch+ zaï) and T8 (micro-dose + 5t/ha manure + liquid fertilizer + mulch + zaï). Soil chemical parameters, agro-morphological parameters and yields were determined. Results: The results showed significant differences in soil parameters and corn grain and straw yield between treatments. The yield of corn grains from T5 significantly increased by 417% compared to that of the T0 control. In view of these results, organic fertilizers present themselves as an alternative for sustainable agriculture provided that measures are taken to make agroecological products more attractive. Conclusion: At the end of our research work, we suggest to continue this study with moringa leaf extract and to test other types of organic fertilizers in other pedo-climatic zones of Burkina Faso.

[ FULL TEXT PDF 12-18 ] DOI: 10.22587/ajbas.2024.18.6.2

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Nurses' Role In Providing Humanized Care to Chronically ILL Patients in Emergency Care Services

Danielle Oliveira Maciel, Josiane Macedo de Oliveira Rupf, Mayara Oliveira Costa, Regina Racquel dos Santos Jacinto, Maura Simone Lima de Almeida, Patrícia da Silva Bezerra de Miranda, Sebastião Magno Oliveira, Glenda Stephanei da Silva Pereira, Sâmela Stefane Correa Galvão, Fernanda Ferreira Martins, Arthur Vinícius dos Santos Peres, Thierry da Silva Cardoso, Marcos Augusto Pires Silva, Prince Dieuveille Lebo Dimina, Claudy Frantz Ashley Darius, Onésimo Aaka Wai Wai, Giselle Sousa Carmona, Rogério Gomes Pereira, Nadja da Fonseca Veloso, Miquelem Cristina da Luz Gomes Neri

ABSTRACT: Background: The significant increase in the population with chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, presents a major challenge for urgent and emergency care services, where exacerbations of these conditions frequently occur. Humanized care in these settings is essential to effectively address patients' physical, emotional, and social needs, promoting treatment adherence and improving quality of life. Objective: This study discusses the importance of the nurse's role in humanized care for patients with chronic diseases in emergency and urgent care environments, highlighting key practices and challenges encountered. Results: An integrative literature review was conducted using widely recognized data sources in the healthcare field, such as PubMed, Scielo and Virtual Health Library between the years 2015 to 2023 in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Studies that did not meet the specific focus of humanized care and reviews that did not discuss the role of nurses in a practical way were excluded. and duplicate articles. as “humanized care,” “emergency and urgent nursing,” “chronic diseases” and “interdisciplinarity”. Based on a literature review, it is observed that nurses, due to their continuous contact with patients, are crucial in implementing humanized practices, including welcoming, empathetic communication, and a holistic approach. However, workload, the need for quick responses, and a lack of resources pose obstacles to fully applying humanized care. Strategies such as active listening and interdisciplinary teamwork are mentioned as ways to mitigate these difficulties and ensure more welcoming and individualized care. Conclusion: It is concluded that strengthening institutional policies that promote training and support for nurses is crucial for the effectiveness of humanization in healthcare. Thus, the nurse’s role becomes an ethical and functional practice that contributes to a more compassionate and respectful healthcare environment, benefiting both the patient and the healthcare system.

[ FULL TEXT PDF 19-23 ] DOI: 10.22587/ajbas.2024.18.6.3

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