Assessment of Risk Connected to the Management of Effluents from Abomey-Calavi and So-Ava Laboratories
Alain K. Aissi *
Biomedical Laboratory of the Regional Hospital of Abomey-Calavi and Sô-Ava Area, BP 1709 Abomey-Calavi, Benin and Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Centre of Training and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, 03 BP 1463, Jericho, Cotonou, Benin
Patrick A. Edorh
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Centre of Training and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, 03 BP 1463, Jericho, Cotonou, Benin and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Benin
Cyriaque Degbey
Health Unit at work place and Toxicology of Environment, School of Public health, Campus Erasme, CP-593, Road of Lennik, 800, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
Patient Guedenon
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Centre of Training and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, 03 BP 1463, Jericho, Cotonou, Benin
Julien Segbo
Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Department of Human Bioengineering, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 2009, Cotonou, Benin
Armelle S. Y. Hounkpatin
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Centre of Training and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, 03 BP 1463, Jericho, Cotonou, Benin
Michel Boko
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Centre of Training and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, 03 BP 1463, Jericho, Cotonou, Benin
Frédéric Loko
Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Department of Human Bioengineering, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 2009, Cotonou, Benin
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study was conducted to assess the risks connected to effluents released by laboratories performing biomedical analyses in four sanitary training units of Abomey Calavi and Sô-Ava area in Benin.
Study Design: It is a transversal and analytical study.
Duration of Study: March 2nd to August 31st, 2010.
Methodology: The data were obtained based on an observation guide, by interviewing the participants and by analyzing the discharged liquid of laboratories as well as the ground waters (wells, drillings) situated near pits and other places used for discharging biomedical effluents.
Results: The results revealed a mismanagement of biomedical effluents. The mean values of pH ranged from 7.17 to 8.83. The conductivity exceeded the acceptable limits in 75% of the cases (2000 to 4260 µS / cm). The COD of sewage rose from 201 to 3400 mg/L and showed strong correlation with the BOD5 (r2=0.998) whose values ranged between 150 and 1700 mg/L. The contents in nitrogen (38.4 - 97.5 mg/L) and in phosphates (11.8 to 30 mg/L) exceeded the standards. Besides, significant concentrations of faecal Coliforms exceeding 100x103 UFC / 100mL were recorded in 75 % of the analyzed effluents samples. This explains the ineffectiveness of the decontamination procedure carried out by the laboratory staff. The examination of well waters and water from the drillings situated near pits serving laboratories showed high turbidity (20 to 91,1 NTU), low rates of dissolved oxygen (< 5mg/L) and indications of bacterial contamination (160 UFC of Escherichia coli / 100mL).
Conclusion: This study suggests a connection between biomedical activities and groundwater pollution. This issue poses a real problem of public health because of the infectious, toxic and eco-toxic risks for the population and it is important to find an effective solution.
Keywords: Laboratories, effluents, risk, environment, health