Aquatic environmental assessment in relation to buruli ulcer epidemiolgy In Ogun State, Nigeria: the public health implication

Abstract

This study attempted to access water quality status of aquatic habitats in BU identified communities in Ogun State and evaluated the heavy metal level in the rivers using fish as a bio-monitor. Water and fish samples were sourced from Eggua, Yewa and Whekan Topa rivers in Ogun State. Physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals were assessed using standardised methods for water and waste water analysis protocol. All the assessed physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals were within acceptable limits for fresh water bodies. However, WhekanTopa river showed highest level of total dissolved solids, conductivity and chemical oxygen demand which were significantly higher than those of Eggua and Yewa rivers. The limnology from this study revealed no obvious evidence of pollution of the study locations. This condition does not encourage growth sustenance of Mycobacterium ulcerans pathogen as it has been established that BU pathogen growth thrives in poor water quality environment. Therefore, it is of public health importance that the environments studied should be protected from environmental pollution to forestall possible M. ulcerans increased proliferation and concomitant outbreak of Buruli ulcer disease in the study areas.

Keywords: Water quality, Buruli ulcer, aquatic environment, public health, Ogun State