Water, environment, and health nexus: understanding the risk factors for waterborne diseases in communities along the Tano River Basin, Ghana.

Freshwater pollution is a major concern in Ghana, directly impacting human health. However, the underlying drivers of exposure and risks are not comprehensively understood, emphasizing the severity and impact of these diseases. This study assessed the interaction between water and human health, specifically focusing on the risk factors for waterborne diseases and the drivers of water pollution among residents near the Tano River Basin, Ghana. A sample size of 400 households was selected from five communities within the basin based on their proximity to the Tano River. In addition, the study combined both spatial and non-spatial data sources to map potential flood zones for the basin. The study found that inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene practices, and contamination from illegal mining were the primary causative factors of waterborne diseases. Additionally, floods and improper waste management significantly contributed to disease outbreaks. The flood susceptibility analysis indicated that areas highly susceptible to flooding cover 21.2% of the basin, predominantly in the southern part. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the drivers of waterborne diseases. This study will contribute to the local authorities in developing plans to prevent waterborne diseases and mitigate their economic and public health impacts.

Yeboah SIK ，Antwi-Agyei P ，Kabo-Bah AT ，Ackerson NOB ... -  《JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH》

Surface water flooding, groundwater contamination, and enteric disease in developed countries: A scoping review of connections and consequences.

Significant volumes of research over the past four decades has sought to elucidate the social, infrastructural, economic, and human health effects of climate change induced surface flooding. To date, epidemiological and public health studies of flooding events have focused on mental health effects, vector-borne diseases, and infectious enteric disease due to floodwater contact (i.e. typically low consumption rates). The inherent nature of groundwater (i.e. out of sight, out of mind) and the widely held belief that aquifers represent a pristine source of drinking water due to natural attenuation may represent the "perfect storm" causing direct consumption of relatively large volumes of surface flood-contaminated groundwater. Accordingly, the current study sought to systematically identify and synthesize all available peer-reviewed literature pertaining to the nexus between surface flooding, groundwater contamination and human gastroenteric outcomes. Just 14 relevant studies were found to have been published during the period 1980-2017, thus highlighting the fact that this potentially significant source of climate-related exposure to environmental infection has remained understudied to date. Studies differed significantly in terms of type and data reporting procedures, making it difficult to discern clear trends and patterns. Approximately 945 confirmed cases of flood-related enteric disease were examined across studies; these concurred with almost 10,000 suspected cases, equating to approximately 20 suspected cases per confirmed case. As such, no regional, national or global estimates are available for the human gastrointestinal health burden of flood-related groundwater contamination. In light of the demonstrable public health significance of the concurrent impacts of groundwater susceptibility and climate change exacerbation, strategies to increase awareness about potential sources of contamination and motivate precautionary behaviour (e.g. drinking water testing and treatment, supply interruptions) are necessary. Mainstreaming climate adaptation concerns into planning policies will also be necessary to reduce human exposure to waterborne sources of enteric infection.

Andrade L ，O'Dwyer J ，O'Neill E ，Hynds P ... -  《-》

Hydrometeorology and flood pulse dynamics drive diarrheal disease outbreaks and increase vulnerability to climate change in surface-water-dependent populations: A retrospective analysis.

Alexander KA ，Heaney AK ，Shaman J 《-》

Experience and Future Perceived Risk of Floods and Diarrheal Disease in Urban Poor Communities in Accra, Ghana.

Abu M ，Codjoe SNA 《-》

High levels of faecal contamination in drinking groundwater and recreational water due to poor sanitation, in the sub-rural neighbourhoods of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kayembe JM ，Thevenon F ，Laffite A ，Sivalingam P ，Ngelinkoto P ，Mulaji CK ，Otamonga JP ，Mubedi JI ，Poté J ... -  《-》