Research Article
Pollution Assessment and Distribution of Snails’ Genera at a University Community Dam: Implications for Control Strategies
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
51-59
Received:
25 June 2025
Accepted:
7 July 2025
Published:
25 August 2025
Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the pollution level and distribution of snails’ genera at a dam within a university community in order to develop efficient control strategies. Water samples and sediment samples were collected at twelve sampling points within the dam for eight weeks and analyzed for heavy metals (Manganese [Mn], Zinc [Zn], Iron (Fe), Cadmium [Cd] and Lead [Pb]) while snail genera were identified using standard procedure. Results were compared with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline limit (water quality [Mn = 0.4mg/L, Cd = 0.003mg/L, Pb=0.01mg/L]; sediment [Zn = 120mg/kg, Fe = 15mg/kg]). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation at p=0.05. Concentrations of Mn (mg/L), Zn (mg/L) in the water sample were 17.5±.01 and 11.3±2.6, respectively. These values were higher than the WHO's recommended limits. Lead and cadmium were not detected. Concentrations of manganese and zinc in the sediment samples were within the recommended limits. Iron concentration (690.3±120.9 mg/kg) exceeded the WHO's recommended limit. The snail genera identified were Bulinus species (65.0%), Biomphalaria species (24%) and Lymnae specie (11%). Bulinus (lunged snail) was the planorbid intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium. A positive correlation existed between the concentration of manganese in sediment and the number of snail genera available (r = 0.722, p < 0.01). The concentration of metal in the sediment sample was higher than that in the surface water. Water and sediment had high concentration of iron and Bulinus snail species; an intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium was identified. Continuous assessment of pollution level is highly essential and immediate control measure is encouraged to mitigate health risks associated with contact with this water body.
Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the pollution level and distribution of snails’ genera at a dam within a university community in order to develop efficient control strategies. Water samples and sediment samples were collected at twelve sampling points within the dam for eight weeks and analyzed for heavy metals (Manganese [Mn], Zinc [Zn], Ir...
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Research Article
Evaluating Supplementary Irrigation Depths for the Improvement of Water Productivity and Rice Yield in Semi-arid Climate, Eastern Burkina Faso
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
60-73
Received:
4 August 2025
Accepted:
16 August 2025
Published:
2 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajwse.20251103.12
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Abstract: In Burkina Faso, supplementary irrigation is promoted as a strategy to overcome the uncertainty of rain and increase sustainably rain-fed rice yield. However, in the actual water scarcity context and the decline of rain water, high productivity cannot be achieved regardless to water use efficiency. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to identify optimal supplemental water depth that increases both water productivity and water savings while minimizing yield losses. Four replications of a randomized block design were implemented and three supplemental water depths of D5cm, D7.5cm and D10cm were field-evaluated against farmer’s irrigation water depth (FIWD). In D5cm, D7.5cm and D10cm treatments, water was applied once a week in case of no rain. In FIWD treatment, irrigation was supplied daily excluding the day of rain. The results revealed that water stress duration and amplitude increased with the decrease of water depth. Severe, moderate and low water stress were recorder in D5cm, D7.5cm and D10cm respectively while no stress was registered in FIWD. The severe water stress induced by D5cm diminished plant height, and the number of tillers by 11% to 3% respectively; while slight (D10cm) and moderate (D7.5cm) stress did not affect the growth. Comparable yield was obtained in D7.5cm (3.130 tha-1) and FIWD (3.279 tha-1). The application of 7.5cm of water yielded the highest gain of water saving (438 m3kg-1). We argue that the weekly supply of 7.5cm water depth can be suggested as a sustainable practice in semi-arid regions.
Abstract: In Burkina Faso, supplementary irrigation is promoted as a strategy to overcome the uncertainty of rain and increase sustainably rain-fed rice yield. However, in the actual water scarcity context and the decline of rain water, high productivity cannot be achieved regardless to water use efficiency. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to identify...
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,
Adejumo Mumuni*
