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Papers by france ncube

Research paper thumbnail of Trace elements in water, sediment and commonly consumed fish from a fish farm (NE Zimbabwe) and risk assessments

SN applied sciences, Aug 11, 2020

Limited information is available on trace element-water contamination and health risk assessment ... more Limited information is available on trace element-water contamination and health risk assessment of small-scale intensive fish farming in low-income settings. Such information creates awareness among fish consumers, policy makers and the scientific community, regarding dietary exposure and health risks for not well-reported settings. The concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements in water, sediment and fish (T. rendalli, O. nitloticus and M. salmoides) were determined by spectrometry. The ecological and potential human health risks were assessed for Magobo dam, NE Zimbabwe, using the Hakanson ecological approach and the United States Environmental Protection Agency risk-assessment model, respectively. Concentrations in water and sediment appeared to increase in the order: cadmium < arsenic < lead. They restricted water use for irrigation and human consumption. The potential ecological risk factors for individual trace elements were below the index range for low risk. The potential ecological risk index for the dam (7.20) did not constitute ecological risk. The concentrations of trace elements in fish significantly varied with species, length and tissue (p < 0.05). The concentrations of arsenic and lead in gills, liver and muscle for O. niloticus and arsenic in M. salmoides were greater than international maximum permissible limits for fish. The target cancer risk due to dietary exposure to arsenic in the three fish species was in the range 10-6. There is no obvious cancer risk to the exposed population.

Research paper thumbnail of Spatio-temporal variations in the ecological vulnerability of the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment of Zimbabwe

Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment and characterisation of hydrometeorological droughts in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment of Zimbabwe using station data

Analysis of frequency and severity of droughts is critical for assessing the availability of surf... more Analysis of frequency and severity of droughts is critical for assessing the availability of surface water in ecosystems and for water resource planning. This study investigated hydrometeorological drought in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment using the standardised precipitation index (SPI) and reconnaissance drought index (RDI). Precipitation, minimum and maximum temperature data from three stations in the sub-catchment were used to calculate RDI and SPI for the period 1990–2020. Two-tailed Mann-Kendall and Pettitt tests were conducted to identify trends and breaks in the RDI and SPI values. The results showed that the sub-catchment was mainly affected by mild (62%) and moderate (20%) droughts. Significant increasing trends were observed for the calculated 6- and 12-month SPI and RDI values (p < 0.05), indicating a decreasing trend in long-term hydrological droughts. No trend was observed for the 3- and 6-month SPI and RDI values (p > 0.05). The Pettit test did not detect any...

Research paper thumbnail of Detecting land surface water changes in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment using remotely sensed data

Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua

Globally, water is acknowledged as indispensable. It is essential for both human life and environ... more Globally, water is acknowledged as indispensable. It is essential for both human life and environmental needs. However, surface water resources are threatened by human and climatic influences, which may result in changes in size and density. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the normalised difference water index (NDWI), modified normalised difference water index (MNDWI) and automated water extraction index (AWEI) in detecting land surface water changes using Landsat satellite data. The results showed that the AWEI performed considerably better than the MNDWI and NDWI for extracting water surface area in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment, with an overall accuracy of 0.93 and a kappa coefficient of 0.82. The MNDWI and NDWI had overall accuracy/kappa values of 0.88/0.74 and 0.89/0.73, respectively. The AWEI can enhance surface water features while effectively suppressing or eliminating pollution and noise from surrounding vegetation and muddy soil. NDWI/MDWI water infor...

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the Framework for Assessing Occupational Health Risks of Municipal Solid Waste Handlers

Global Journal of Health Science

BACKGROUND: The occupational health risks associated with municipal solid waste handling are wide... more BACKGROUND: The occupational health risks associated with municipal solid waste handling are widely documented in literature. However, no framework has been developed for their assessment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a tool for use by local government structures.METHODS: Epidemiological evidence on human health risks associated with municipal solid waste management (MSWM) was obtained from literature and primary data collected from the study sites. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of available human and environmental risk assessment frameworks was done and the findings were used as a base for the framework. The proposed framework was validated through iteration workshops in small, medium and large local government structures. Also, it was presented in a safety and health conference, in order obtain the input of occupational health and safety practitioners, researchers and policy makers.RESULTS: A draft framework was produce...

Research paper thumbnail of Trace elements in groundwater near an abandoned mine tailings dam and health risk assessment (NE Zimbabwe)

Water SA

Groundwater from shallow hand-dug wells at an abandoned gold mine tailings dam was characterised ... more Groundwater from shallow hand-dug wells at an abandoned gold mine tailings dam was characterised for selected physicochemical parameters during dry and wet seasons of 2018 and 2019. Health risk exposure of the local population (adults and children) through ingestion and dermal exposure was assessed. Groundwater quality parameters were lower than international drinking water quality guidelines (p < 0.05). The parameters were significantly influenced by season of the year (As, Cl−, SO42−), nature (As, Cd, Cl−, Fe, NO3−, SO42−), depth (Cd, Cl−, Fe, Ni, SO42−) and direction of the well (Cu, Cl−, Fe, NO3−, Pb, SO42−) (p < 0.05) relative to the tailings dam. Groundwater did not pose non-carcinogenic risk due to studied trace elements. However, arsenic had the potential to cause medium to high cancer risk to the local population. We propose re-vegetation of the tailings dam, diversion of surface tailings drainage to a containment pond and the provision of continuous piped water suppl...

Research paper thumbnail of Contamination of Soil with Pb and Sb at a Lead-Acid Battery Dumpsite and Their Potential Early Uptake by Phragmites australis

Applied and Environmental Soil Science

Recycling of spent Lead-Acid Batteries (LABs) and disposal of process slag potentially contaminat... more Recycling of spent Lead-Acid Batteries (LABs) and disposal of process slag potentially contaminate soil with Pb and Sb. Total and available concentrations of Pb and Sb in three soil treatments and parts of Phragmites australis were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Soil with nonrecycled slag (NR) had higher total metal concentrations than that with recycled slag (RS). Low available fractions of Pb and Sb were found in the soil treatments before planting P. australis. After 16 weeks of growth of P. australis, the available fractions of Pb had no statistical difference from initial values (p>0.05) while available Sb fractions were significantly lower when compared with their initial values (p<0.05). Metal transfer factors showed that P. australis poorly accumulate Pb and Sb in roots and very poorly translocate them to leaves after growing for 8 and 16 weeks. It may be a poor phytoextractor of Pb and Sb in metal-contaminated soil at least for the 16 weeks of its ...

Research paper thumbnail of Trace Elements in Leaf Extracts of Eucalyptus grandis Traditionally Used to Treat Common Cold and Flu

Journal of Health and Pollution

Background. Eucalyptus species have been used for the remediation of mine tailings dams in Zimbab... more Background. Eucalyptus species have been used for the remediation of mine tailings dams in Zimbabwe. However, a traditional medicinal remedy (TMR) for the treatment of mild acute respiratory infections, such as common cold and flu includes the use of Eucalyptus leaves. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine total concentrations of selected potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in gold mine tailings and leaves of Eucalyptus grandis and to identify extractable fractions of PTEs in leaves via boiling for 10 minutes in water, which is the process used to create TMRs to treat common cold and flu. Methods. Mine tailings and leaves of E. grandis were randomly collected at a gold mine tailings dam between April and June 2019. They were digested for laboratory analysis using standard analytical methods. Leaves were boiled in water for 10 minutes to prepare the TMR as practiced by the local community. The concentrations of PTEs were determined spectrometrically. Significa...

Research paper thumbnail of Contamination of soil around an abandoned gold mine tailings dam with trace elements in a small town, northeastern Zimbabwe

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of hand hygiene behaviours among primary and secondary school children in a rural district setting in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional epidemiologic study

Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and efficient ways of controlling faecal–oral diseases.... more Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and efficient ways of controlling faecal–oral diseases. However, little is known about the predictors of hand hygiene behaviours among school children. A predesigned checklist guide was used to observe hygiene behaviours of 460 pupils from four rural schools in Shamva South district, Zimbabwe. A pretested questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic data of the observed school children. Membership of a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) club, age, gender and the level of education were associated with hand hygiene practices (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that investing in hand hygiene behaviour change processes among school children using the promotion, formation, resuscitation and empowerment of WASH clubs in schools is important in disease prevention among communities in developing countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk factors for food poisoning among self-catering university students

International Journal of Environmental Health Research

Limited research has investigated self-catering university students' food hygiene practices t... more Limited research has investigated self-catering university students' food hygiene practices that may increase their vulnerability to food poisoning. This study assessed the practice-related risk factors for food poisoning among 600 self-catering university students. A validated questionnaire was self-administered to collect data about their food hygiene practices in the previous 12 months. Factors associated with the prevalence of food poisoning were determined using logistic regression methods. Analyses showed significant associations of the use of wooden chopping boards and the consumption of unwashed fruits, with the prevalence of food poisoning (p < 0.05). However, the strongest association was for thawing of meat at room temperature (odds ratio for thawing at room temperature versus inside refrigerator, 6.07, 95% CI 3.98-9.25). Findings highlight the need for risk-based food hygiene training to inculcate safe food handling practices among self-catering university students.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors associated with safe food handling practices in the food service sector

Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering

Purpose This review assessed the methodological quality of relevant food safety studies, investig... more Purpose This review assessed the methodological quality of relevant food safety studies, investigated the available evidences for factors associated with safe food handling practices (SFHPs) and suggested required improvements. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in five databases. A pre-designed criteria was used for data extraction and quality assessment. Evidence synthesis was performed, based on specified criteria. Results Out of a total of 1768 published research articles, 28 met the inclusion criteria. Strong evidence suggests that food handlers' knowledge and attitudes on food safety contribute to SFHPs. Moderate evidence exists about the association between a food handler's food safety training and SFHPs. Limited evidence is available about the influence of the educational level and work experience of a food handler, to SFHPs. Insufficient evidence exists about the association between socio-demographic characteristics and SFHPs. A conceptual framework is presented to illustrate the associations. Conclusions Available evidence supports that in order to promote SFHPs, responsible authorities should focus on improving on the food safety knowledge and attitudes of food handlers. Future food safety studies may richly benefit from overcoming the methodological shortcomings presented in this review.

Research paper thumbnail of Postural risk associated with Wooden Steel Chairs and Stackable Arm Chairs in a low-income country

Work

BACKGROUND Wooden Steel Chairs (WSCs) and Stackable Arm Chairs (SACs) are widely used in tertiary... more BACKGROUND Wooden Steel Chairs (WSCs) and Stackable Arm Chairs (SACs) are widely used in tertiary institutions of learning in low income countries. No local studies seem to have investigated the postural risk associated with the concerned chair type. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the postural risk associated with WSCs and SACs. It also determined the anatomical distribution of musculoskeletal complaints among users of the chair types. METHODS Purposive sampling was used to select 100 desktop computer users (23.25±1.6 years) of which 50% consistently used a computer laboratory with WSCs and the other half used one with SACs. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate the sitting posture of users of both chair types. Musculoskeletal complaints were investigated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. RESULTS Analyses showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean RULA scores for the right side of the body for users of WSCs (6.08±0.85) compared to users of SACs (5.26±1.23). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found on the prevalence of lower back pain between users of WSCs and SACs. Among all study participants, 72% reported musculoskeletal pain at one or more body parts in the previous 12 months. Self-reported complaints pertained to the neck (24% ), lower back (19% ), shoulders (16% ), elbow (8% ), upper back (8% ) and wrist (4% ). CONCLUSION WSCs seem to pose a higher postural risk for lower back pain than SACs. Ergonomics interventions and exercise training programmes may be useful to address the poor working posture and musculoskeletal complaints.

Research paper thumbnail of An evaluation of ergonomic risks associated with tailoring tasks using the rapid entire body assessment method

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics

Limited research has investigated work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal tailors i... more Limited research has investigated work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal tailors in low-income countries. This study conducted a risk assessment of the working posture of informal tailors. The postural risk for upper and lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders for 220 informal tailors was evaluated using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method. The prevalence and severity of body part pain were assessed using the Corlett and Bishop body map questionnaire. No tailor had a negligible grand REBA score of 1 or low risk score of 2-3. Analyses showed that the hours worked per day, length of employment as a tailor and elevated grand REBA scores (8-10) were significantly associated with a higher risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). Based on the REBA assessments, no tailor had an acceptable action level. The working posture of tailors needs to be immediately changed to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Research paper thumbnail of Contamination and health risk assessment of trace elements in soil at play centers of urban low-income settings

Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal

Abstract Young children are considered critical receptors of potentially toxic trace elements (PT... more Abstract Young children are considered critical receptors of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) by non-dietary ingestion of contaminated soil. The study assessed the potential enrichment of soil and the health risk of PTEs to 471 children less than seven years via non-dietary soil ingestion at six Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDCs) in urban low-income settings. The total concentrations of PTEs were determined by ICP-AES after wet acid digestion. The extent of soil contamination with PTEs and their source apportionment were assessed by the enrichment factor (EF). The US-EPA risk assessment model was used to determine the risk of PTE exposure by children. Multivariate statistical analyses and the EF suggested anthropogenic origin of PTEs in playgrounds and indoors, especially Cd and Pb from atmospheric deposition. Indoor floor dust at ECDCs was enriched (significant to extreme) with PTEs of anthropogenic origin imported from the outside environment. Children at the six ECDCs were not at significant non-carcinogenic risk of PTEs in soil and dust through non-dietary ingestion. The study setting is typical of urban child play centers in low-income countries which needs regular risk assessment and the enforcement of legislation in order to reduce the exposure of children to PTEs.

Research paper thumbnail of Commentary on the Organisation of Occupational Health and Safety in Southern Africa, the International Labour Organization and Policies in General

Annals of Global Health

This convention focuses on the organisation of occupational health services and addresses issues ... more This convention focuses on the organisation of occupational health services and addresses issues such as the need for the formulation, implementation and review of occupational health and safety (OHS) policies in member states. The present article comments on the organisation of OHS in southern Africa [2], the International Labour Organization (ILO) and policies in general. Occupational Health and Safety Organization in Southern Africa [2] In the four regions of Africa, very few research efforts have been focused on examining existing OHS legislation in order to suggest required improvements for actioning by policy makers. However, in the Annals of Global Health, Moyo and colleagues [2] make a valuable contribution in this regard, in the context of southern Africa. More importantly, the publication of their findings in an open access scientific journal is a giant step towards drawing the attention of OHS practitioners, policy makers and the scientific community to the fundamental concerns requiring correction. Given the value of the conclusions arising from their work, Moyo and colleagues [2] may also need to consider additional platforms for sharing their findings, such as the annual Public Health Practitioners Association Conference (PHASA), hosted by South Africa, which is regularly well attended by researchers, policy makers and OHS practitioners from various developing and developed countries. On the other hand, the authors' country selection may not necessarily mirror the status of OHS laws in the remaining unreviewed majority of other southern African countries. Consequently, further work may need to also concentrate on such nations as well as the eastern, western and northern African countries, in order to identify their peculiar scenarios requiring redress. About two decades back, Auria [3] rightly observed that the bulk of published OHS articles were unfortunately small-scale, local and not national and strategic. Fundamentally, Moyo and colleagues' regional study is a step ahead rather than repetition of previous research shortcomings raised by Auria [3]. In their study, Moyo et al. [2] describe, discuss and analyse OHS laws in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia and observe, among other issues, the severe shortage of occupational medicine specialists. Similar human resource challenges stifling the performance of OHS services have been reported in various other developing countries [4-6]. Although massive improvements in such critical expert staffing levels in resource-constrained countries might appear difficult, some positive improvements in African countries, such as South Africa, fruitfully demonstrate that these limitations are solvable. Consequently, the need for researchers' sustained efforts in convincing policy makers to take practical

Research paper thumbnail of Current Status and the Future of Occupational Safety and Health Legislation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Safety and Health at Work

This article addresses three key issues. First, the commonalities, differences, strengths, and li... more This article addresses three key issues. First, the commonalities, differences, strengths, and limitations of existing occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation of low-and middle-income countries were determined. Second, required revisions were identified and discussed to strengthen the laws in accordance with the best international practice. Finally, proposals for additional OSH laws and interventions were suggested. A literature search of OSH laws of 10 selected low-and middle-income countries was carried out. The laws were subjected to uniform review criteria. Although the agricultural sector employs more than 70% of the population, most of the reviewed countries lack OSH legislation on the sector. Existing OSH laws are gender insensitive, fragmented among various government departments, insufficient, outdated, and nondeterrent to perpetrators and lack incentives for compliance. Conclusively, the legal frameworks require reformation and harmonization for the collective benefit to employees, employers, and regulatory authorities. New OSH legislation for the agricultural sector is required.

Research paper thumbnail of Standing working posture and musculoskeletal pain among citrus sinensis workers in a low-income country

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

Background. Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMP) among Citrus sinensis farm workers has barel... more Background. Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMP) among Citrus sinensis farm workers has barely been studied. Yet most work tasks in such farms are manually performed using awkward standing postures that can contribute to WRMP. Aim. This study assessed the standing working posture in relation to WRMP among C. sinensis workers. Methods. Ninety-two workers engaged in manual tasks participated in this cross-sectional study. Postures at the upper limbs were analysed using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results. Analyses generally showed statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) between a body part RULA score and WRMP at the concerned body part. The upper arm score was >1 in 77.2% of the workers and caused upper arm pain in 66.3%; the association between the upper score and upper pain was statistically significant (χ 2 = 20.57; p < 0.05). Similarly, significant associations were found between: (a) wrist score and wrist pain; (b) neck score and neck pain; (c) trunk score and back pain. Conclusions. C. sinensis workers use unsafe postures which contribute to WRMP at the upper arm, trunk, neck and wrists. Ergonomics measures are required to improve their working posture.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of trace element contamination of urban surface soil at informal industrial sites in a low-income country

Environmental geochemistry and health, Jan 29, 2018

Trace elements released by human activity are ubiquitously detected in surface soil. The trace el... more Trace elements released by human activity are ubiquitously detected in surface soil. The trace element contamination statuses of 20 sampling stations at two busy informal industrial sites of Harare city, Zimbabwe, were evaluated using geochemical indices. Spectrophotometric determinations of concentrations of trace elements in surface soil indicated generally higher values than the reference site and the average upper earth's crust. High contamination factors were observed for trace elements across sampling stations at Gazaland and Siyaso informal industrial sites. Concentrations exhibited heterogeneous distribution of trace elements in surface soil varying with the nature of activity at a sampling station. The pollution load index and degree of contamination suggested highly contaminated surface soil with Cd, Cu and Pb particularly where the following activities were done: (1) welding, (2) automobile maintenance and (3) waste dumping. These results may be very important to redu...

Research paper thumbnail of Postural Analysis of a Developing Country’s Municipal Solid Waste Handlers and a Reference Group of Hospital General Hands using the RULA Method

Global Journal of Health Science

BACKGROUND: Municipal solid waste handlers perform various work activities which may contribute t... more BACKGROUND: Municipal solid waste handlers perform various work activities which may contribute to the onset of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). This study conducted a postural analysis of these workers and a reference group of hospital general hands in order to identify unsafe working postures requiring correction. METHODS: The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) methodology was used for postural analysis to 30 municipal solid waste handlers (MSWHs) and a reference group of 30 hospital general hands (HGHs) involved in similar work activities. Field observations and photography were used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using STATA version 13.RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the two groups. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for lifting, carrying and emptying activities. For both groups, the mean postural scores for pushing, pulling and standing activities were mainly in the low risk category and not statistically signifi...

Research paper thumbnail of Trace elements in water, sediment and commonly consumed fish from a fish farm (NE Zimbabwe) and risk assessments

SN applied sciences, Aug 11, 2020

Limited information is available on trace element-water contamination and health risk assessment ... more Limited information is available on trace element-water contamination and health risk assessment of small-scale intensive fish farming in low-income settings. Such information creates awareness among fish consumers, policy makers and the scientific community, regarding dietary exposure and health risks for not well-reported settings. The concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements in water, sediment and fish (T. rendalli, O. nitloticus and M. salmoides) were determined by spectrometry. The ecological and potential human health risks were assessed for Magobo dam, NE Zimbabwe, using the Hakanson ecological approach and the United States Environmental Protection Agency risk-assessment model, respectively. Concentrations in water and sediment appeared to increase in the order: cadmium < arsenic < lead. They restricted water use for irrigation and human consumption. The potential ecological risk factors for individual trace elements were below the index range for low risk. The potential ecological risk index for the dam (7.20) did not constitute ecological risk. The concentrations of trace elements in fish significantly varied with species, length and tissue (p < 0.05). The concentrations of arsenic and lead in gills, liver and muscle for O. niloticus and arsenic in M. salmoides were greater than international maximum permissible limits for fish. The target cancer risk due to dietary exposure to arsenic in the three fish species was in the range 10-6. There is no obvious cancer risk to the exposed population.

Research paper thumbnail of Spatio-temporal variations in the ecological vulnerability of the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment of Zimbabwe

Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment and characterisation of hydrometeorological droughts in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment of Zimbabwe using station data

Analysis of frequency and severity of droughts is critical for assessing the availability of surf... more Analysis of frequency and severity of droughts is critical for assessing the availability of surface water in ecosystems and for water resource planning. This study investigated hydrometeorological drought in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment using the standardised precipitation index (SPI) and reconnaissance drought index (RDI). Precipitation, minimum and maximum temperature data from three stations in the sub-catchment were used to calculate RDI and SPI for the period 1990–2020. Two-tailed Mann-Kendall and Pettitt tests were conducted to identify trends and breaks in the RDI and SPI values. The results showed that the sub-catchment was mainly affected by mild (62%) and moderate (20%) droughts. Significant increasing trends were observed for the calculated 6- and 12-month SPI and RDI values (p < 0.05), indicating a decreasing trend in long-term hydrological droughts. No trend was observed for the 3- and 6-month SPI and RDI values (p > 0.05). The Pettit test did not detect any...

Research paper thumbnail of Detecting land surface water changes in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment using remotely sensed data

Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua

Globally, water is acknowledged as indispensable. It is essential for both human life and environ... more Globally, water is acknowledged as indispensable. It is essential for both human life and environmental needs. However, surface water resources are threatened by human and climatic influences, which may result in changes in size and density. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the normalised difference water index (NDWI), modified normalised difference water index (MNDWI) and automated water extraction index (AWEI) in detecting land surface water changes using Landsat satellite data. The results showed that the AWEI performed considerably better than the MNDWI and NDWI for extracting water surface area in the Upper Mzingwane sub-catchment, with an overall accuracy of 0.93 and a kappa coefficient of 0.82. The MNDWI and NDWI had overall accuracy/kappa values of 0.88/0.74 and 0.89/0.73, respectively. The AWEI can enhance surface water features while effectively suppressing or eliminating pollution and noise from surrounding vegetation and muddy soil. NDWI/MDWI water infor...

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the Framework for Assessing Occupational Health Risks of Municipal Solid Waste Handlers

Global Journal of Health Science

BACKGROUND: The occupational health risks associated with municipal solid waste handling are wide... more BACKGROUND: The occupational health risks associated with municipal solid waste handling are widely documented in literature. However, no framework has been developed for their assessment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a tool for use by local government structures.METHODS: Epidemiological evidence on human health risks associated with municipal solid waste management (MSWM) was obtained from literature and primary data collected from the study sites. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of available human and environmental risk assessment frameworks was done and the findings were used as a base for the framework. The proposed framework was validated through iteration workshops in small, medium and large local government structures. Also, it was presented in a safety and health conference, in order obtain the input of occupational health and safety practitioners, researchers and policy makers.RESULTS: A draft framework was produce...

Research paper thumbnail of Trace elements in groundwater near an abandoned mine tailings dam and health risk assessment (NE Zimbabwe)

Water SA

Groundwater from shallow hand-dug wells at an abandoned gold mine tailings dam was characterised ... more Groundwater from shallow hand-dug wells at an abandoned gold mine tailings dam was characterised for selected physicochemical parameters during dry and wet seasons of 2018 and 2019. Health risk exposure of the local population (adults and children) through ingestion and dermal exposure was assessed. Groundwater quality parameters were lower than international drinking water quality guidelines (p < 0.05). The parameters were significantly influenced by season of the year (As, Cl−, SO42−), nature (As, Cd, Cl−, Fe, NO3−, SO42−), depth (Cd, Cl−, Fe, Ni, SO42−) and direction of the well (Cu, Cl−, Fe, NO3−, Pb, SO42−) (p < 0.05) relative to the tailings dam. Groundwater did not pose non-carcinogenic risk due to studied trace elements. However, arsenic had the potential to cause medium to high cancer risk to the local population. We propose re-vegetation of the tailings dam, diversion of surface tailings drainage to a containment pond and the provision of continuous piped water suppl...

Research paper thumbnail of Contamination of Soil with Pb and Sb at a Lead-Acid Battery Dumpsite and Their Potential Early Uptake by Phragmites australis

Applied and Environmental Soil Science

Recycling of spent Lead-Acid Batteries (LABs) and disposal of process slag potentially contaminat... more Recycling of spent Lead-Acid Batteries (LABs) and disposal of process slag potentially contaminate soil with Pb and Sb. Total and available concentrations of Pb and Sb in three soil treatments and parts of Phragmites australis were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Soil with nonrecycled slag (NR) had higher total metal concentrations than that with recycled slag (RS). Low available fractions of Pb and Sb were found in the soil treatments before planting P. australis. After 16 weeks of growth of P. australis, the available fractions of Pb had no statistical difference from initial values (p>0.05) while available Sb fractions were significantly lower when compared with their initial values (p<0.05). Metal transfer factors showed that P. australis poorly accumulate Pb and Sb in roots and very poorly translocate them to leaves after growing for 8 and 16 weeks. It may be a poor phytoextractor of Pb and Sb in metal-contaminated soil at least for the 16 weeks of its ...

Research paper thumbnail of Trace Elements in Leaf Extracts of Eucalyptus grandis Traditionally Used to Treat Common Cold and Flu

Journal of Health and Pollution

Background. Eucalyptus species have been used for the remediation of mine tailings dams in Zimbab... more Background. Eucalyptus species have been used for the remediation of mine tailings dams in Zimbabwe. However, a traditional medicinal remedy (TMR) for the treatment of mild acute respiratory infections, such as common cold and flu includes the use of Eucalyptus leaves. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine total concentrations of selected potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in gold mine tailings and leaves of Eucalyptus grandis and to identify extractable fractions of PTEs in leaves via boiling for 10 minutes in water, which is the process used to create TMRs to treat common cold and flu. Methods. Mine tailings and leaves of E. grandis were randomly collected at a gold mine tailings dam between April and June 2019. They were digested for laboratory analysis using standard analytical methods. Leaves were boiled in water for 10 minutes to prepare the TMR as practiced by the local community. The concentrations of PTEs were determined spectrometrically. Significa...

Research paper thumbnail of Contamination of soil around an abandoned gold mine tailings dam with trace elements in a small town, northeastern Zimbabwe

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of hand hygiene behaviours among primary and secondary school children in a rural district setting in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional epidemiologic study

Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and efficient ways of controlling faecal–oral diseases.... more Hand hygiene is one of the most effective and efficient ways of controlling faecal–oral diseases. However, little is known about the predictors of hand hygiene behaviours among school children. A predesigned checklist guide was used to observe hygiene behaviours of 460 pupils from four rural schools in Shamva South district, Zimbabwe. A pretested questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic data of the observed school children. Membership of a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) club, age, gender and the level of education were associated with hand hygiene practices (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that investing in hand hygiene behaviour change processes among school children using the promotion, formation, resuscitation and empowerment of WASH clubs in schools is important in disease prevention among communities in developing countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk factors for food poisoning among self-catering university students

International Journal of Environmental Health Research

Limited research has investigated self-catering university students' food hygiene practices t... more Limited research has investigated self-catering university students' food hygiene practices that may increase their vulnerability to food poisoning. This study assessed the practice-related risk factors for food poisoning among 600 self-catering university students. A validated questionnaire was self-administered to collect data about their food hygiene practices in the previous 12 months. Factors associated with the prevalence of food poisoning were determined using logistic regression methods. Analyses showed significant associations of the use of wooden chopping boards and the consumption of unwashed fruits, with the prevalence of food poisoning (p < 0.05). However, the strongest association was for thawing of meat at room temperature (odds ratio for thawing at room temperature versus inside refrigerator, 6.07, 95% CI 3.98-9.25). Findings highlight the need for risk-based food hygiene training to inculcate safe food handling practices among self-catering university students.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors associated with safe food handling practices in the food service sector

Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering

Purpose This review assessed the methodological quality of relevant food safety studies, investig... more Purpose This review assessed the methodological quality of relevant food safety studies, investigated the available evidences for factors associated with safe food handling practices (SFHPs) and suggested required improvements. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in five databases. A pre-designed criteria was used for data extraction and quality assessment. Evidence synthesis was performed, based on specified criteria. Results Out of a total of 1768 published research articles, 28 met the inclusion criteria. Strong evidence suggests that food handlers' knowledge and attitudes on food safety contribute to SFHPs. Moderate evidence exists about the association between a food handler's food safety training and SFHPs. Limited evidence is available about the influence of the educational level and work experience of a food handler, to SFHPs. Insufficient evidence exists about the association between socio-demographic characteristics and SFHPs. A conceptual framework is presented to illustrate the associations. Conclusions Available evidence supports that in order to promote SFHPs, responsible authorities should focus on improving on the food safety knowledge and attitudes of food handlers. Future food safety studies may richly benefit from overcoming the methodological shortcomings presented in this review.

Research paper thumbnail of Postural risk associated with Wooden Steel Chairs and Stackable Arm Chairs in a low-income country

Work

BACKGROUND Wooden Steel Chairs (WSCs) and Stackable Arm Chairs (SACs) are widely used in tertiary... more BACKGROUND Wooden Steel Chairs (WSCs) and Stackable Arm Chairs (SACs) are widely used in tertiary institutions of learning in low income countries. No local studies seem to have investigated the postural risk associated with the concerned chair type. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the postural risk associated with WSCs and SACs. It also determined the anatomical distribution of musculoskeletal complaints among users of the chair types. METHODS Purposive sampling was used to select 100 desktop computer users (23.25±1.6 years) of which 50% consistently used a computer laboratory with WSCs and the other half used one with SACs. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was used to evaluate the sitting posture of users of both chair types. Musculoskeletal complaints were investigated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. RESULTS Analyses showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean RULA scores for the right side of the body for users of WSCs (6.08±0.85) compared to users of SACs (5.26±1.23). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found on the prevalence of lower back pain between users of WSCs and SACs. Among all study participants, 72% reported musculoskeletal pain at one or more body parts in the previous 12 months. Self-reported complaints pertained to the neck (24% ), lower back (19% ), shoulders (16% ), elbow (8% ), upper back (8% ) and wrist (4% ). CONCLUSION WSCs seem to pose a higher postural risk for lower back pain than SACs. Ergonomics interventions and exercise training programmes may be useful to address the poor working posture and musculoskeletal complaints.

Research paper thumbnail of An evaluation of ergonomic risks associated with tailoring tasks using the rapid entire body assessment method

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics

Limited research has investigated work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal tailors i... more Limited research has investigated work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal tailors in low-income countries. This study conducted a risk assessment of the working posture of informal tailors. The postural risk for upper and lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders for 220 informal tailors was evaluated using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method. The prevalence and severity of body part pain were assessed using the Corlett and Bishop body map questionnaire. No tailor had a negligible grand REBA score of 1 or low risk score of 2-3. Analyses showed that the hours worked per day, length of employment as a tailor and elevated grand REBA scores (8-10) were significantly associated with a higher risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). Based on the REBA assessments, no tailor had an acceptable action level. The working posture of tailors needs to be immediately changed to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Research paper thumbnail of Contamination and health risk assessment of trace elements in soil at play centers of urban low-income settings

Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal

Abstract Young children are considered critical receptors of potentially toxic trace elements (PT... more Abstract Young children are considered critical receptors of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) by non-dietary ingestion of contaminated soil. The study assessed the potential enrichment of soil and the health risk of PTEs to 471 children less than seven years via non-dietary soil ingestion at six Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDCs) in urban low-income settings. The total concentrations of PTEs were determined by ICP-AES after wet acid digestion. The extent of soil contamination with PTEs and their source apportionment were assessed by the enrichment factor (EF). The US-EPA risk assessment model was used to determine the risk of PTE exposure by children. Multivariate statistical analyses and the EF suggested anthropogenic origin of PTEs in playgrounds and indoors, especially Cd and Pb from atmospheric deposition. Indoor floor dust at ECDCs was enriched (significant to extreme) with PTEs of anthropogenic origin imported from the outside environment. Children at the six ECDCs were not at significant non-carcinogenic risk of PTEs in soil and dust through non-dietary ingestion. The study setting is typical of urban child play centers in low-income countries which needs regular risk assessment and the enforcement of legislation in order to reduce the exposure of children to PTEs.

Research paper thumbnail of Commentary on the Organisation of Occupational Health and Safety in Southern Africa, the International Labour Organization and Policies in General

Annals of Global Health

This convention focuses on the organisation of occupational health services and addresses issues ... more This convention focuses on the organisation of occupational health services and addresses issues such as the need for the formulation, implementation and review of occupational health and safety (OHS) policies in member states. The present article comments on the organisation of OHS in southern Africa [2], the International Labour Organization (ILO) and policies in general. Occupational Health and Safety Organization in Southern Africa [2] In the four regions of Africa, very few research efforts have been focused on examining existing OHS legislation in order to suggest required improvements for actioning by policy makers. However, in the Annals of Global Health, Moyo and colleagues [2] make a valuable contribution in this regard, in the context of southern Africa. More importantly, the publication of their findings in an open access scientific journal is a giant step towards drawing the attention of OHS practitioners, policy makers and the scientific community to the fundamental concerns requiring correction. Given the value of the conclusions arising from their work, Moyo and colleagues [2] may also need to consider additional platforms for sharing their findings, such as the annual Public Health Practitioners Association Conference (PHASA), hosted by South Africa, which is regularly well attended by researchers, policy makers and OHS practitioners from various developing and developed countries. On the other hand, the authors' country selection may not necessarily mirror the status of OHS laws in the remaining unreviewed majority of other southern African countries. Consequently, further work may need to also concentrate on such nations as well as the eastern, western and northern African countries, in order to identify their peculiar scenarios requiring redress. About two decades back, Auria [3] rightly observed that the bulk of published OHS articles were unfortunately small-scale, local and not national and strategic. Fundamentally, Moyo and colleagues' regional study is a step ahead rather than repetition of previous research shortcomings raised by Auria [3]. In their study, Moyo et al. [2] describe, discuss and analyse OHS laws in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia and observe, among other issues, the severe shortage of occupational medicine specialists. Similar human resource challenges stifling the performance of OHS services have been reported in various other developing countries [4-6]. Although massive improvements in such critical expert staffing levels in resource-constrained countries might appear difficult, some positive improvements in African countries, such as South Africa, fruitfully demonstrate that these limitations are solvable. Consequently, the need for researchers' sustained efforts in convincing policy makers to take practical

Research paper thumbnail of Current Status and the Future of Occupational Safety and Health Legislation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Safety and Health at Work

This article addresses three key issues. First, the commonalities, differences, strengths, and li... more This article addresses three key issues. First, the commonalities, differences, strengths, and limitations of existing occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation of low-and middle-income countries were determined. Second, required revisions were identified and discussed to strengthen the laws in accordance with the best international practice. Finally, proposals for additional OSH laws and interventions were suggested. A literature search of OSH laws of 10 selected low-and middle-income countries was carried out. The laws were subjected to uniform review criteria. Although the agricultural sector employs more than 70% of the population, most of the reviewed countries lack OSH legislation on the sector. Existing OSH laws are gender insensitive, fragmented among various government departments, insufficient, outdated, and nondeterrent to perpetrators and lack incentives for compliance. Conclusively, the legal frameworks require reformation and harmonization for the collective benefit to employees, employers, and regulatory authorities. New OSH legislation for the agricultural sector is required.

Research paper thumbnail of Standing working posture and musculoskeletal pain among citrus sinensis workers in a low-income country

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

Background. Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMP) among Citrus sinensis farm workers has barel... more Background. Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMP) among Citrus sinensis farm workers has barely been studied. Yet most work tasks in such farms are manually performed using awkward standing postures that can contribute to WRMP. Aim. This study assessed the standing working posture in relation to WRMP among C. sinensis workers. Methods. Ninety-two workers engaged in manual tasks participated in this cross-sectional study. Postures at the upper limbs were analysed using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results. Analyses generally showed statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) between a body part RULA score and WRMP at the concerned body part. The upper arm score was >1 in 77.2% of the workers and caused upper arm pain in 66.3%; the association between the upper score and upper pain was statistically significant (χ 2 = 20.57; p < 0.05). Similarly, significant associations were found between: (a) wrist score and wrist pain; (b) neck score and neck pain; (c) trunk score and back pain. Conclusions. C. sinensis workers use unsafe postures which contribute to WRMP at the upper arm, trunk, neck and wrists. Ergonomics measures are required to improve their working posture.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of trace element contamination of urban surface soil at informal industrial sites in a low-income country

Environmental geochemistry and health, Jan 29, 2018

Trace elements released by human activity are ubiquitously detected in surface soil. The trace el... more Trace elements released by human activity are ubiquitously detected in surface soil. The trace element contamination statuses of 20 sampling stations at two busy informal industrial sites of Harare city, Zimbabwe, were evaluated using geochemical indices. Spectrophotometric determinations of concentrations of trace elements in surface soil indicated generally higher values than the reference site and the average upper earth's crust. High contamination factors were observed for trace elements across sampling stations at Gazaland and Siyaso informal industrial sites. Concentrations exhibited heterogeneous distribution of trace elements in surface soil varying with the nature of activity at a sampling station. The pollution load index and degree of contamination suggested highly contaminated surface soil with Cd, Cu and Pb particularly where the following activities were done: (1) welding, (2) automobile maintenance and (3) waste dumping. These results may be very important to redu...

Research paper thumbnail of Postural Analysis of a Developing Country’s Municipal Solid Waste Handlers and a Reference Group of Hospital General Hands using the RULA Method

Global Journal of Health Science

BACKGROUND: Municipal solid waste handlers perform various work activities which may contribute t... more BACKGROUND: Municipal solid waste handlers perform various work activities which may contribute to the onset of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). This study conducted a postural analysis of these workers and a reference group of hospital general hands in order to identify unsafe working postures requiring correction. METHODS: The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) methodology was used for postural analysis to 30 municipal solid waste handlers (MSWHs) and a reference group of 30 hospital general hands (HGHs) involved in similar work activities. Field observations and photography were used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using STATA version 13.RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the two groups. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for lifting, carrying and emptying activities. For both groups, the mean postural scores for pushing, pulling and standing activities were mainly in the low risk category and not statistically signifi...