ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0477-4666
Current Organisations
Department of Public Health Engineering, Zonal Laboratory
,
University of Newcastle Australia
,
James Cook University
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-11-2018
Publisher: James Cook University
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.25903/4PWX-ZF18
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-03-2023
Abstract: Chromium (Cr) exists in aqueous solution as trivalent (Cr3+) and hexavalent (Cr6+) forms. Cr3+ is an essential trace element while Cr6+ is a dangerous and carcinogenic element, which is of great concern globally due to its extensive applications in various industrial processes such as textiles, manufacturing of inks, dyes, paints, and pigments, electroplating, stainless steel, leather, tanning, and wood preservation, among others. Cr3+ in wastewater can be transformed into Cr6+ when it enters the environment. Therefore, research on Cr remediation from water has attracted much attention recently. A number of methods such as adsorption, electrochemical treatment, physico-chemical methods, biological removal, and membrane filtration have been devised for efficient Cr removal from water. This review comprehensively demonstrated the Cr removal technologies in the literature to date. The advantages and disadvantages of Cr removal methods were also described. Future research directions are suggested and provide the application of adsorbents for Cr removal from waters.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-04-2021
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/PY15175
Abstract: Australia has seen a significant increase in people aged over 65 years accessing general practice services over the last decade. Although people aged 65 years and over comprise 14% of the total population, this age demographic accounts for the largest proportion of general practitioner (GP)–patient encounters. Access to general practice is important for older Australians as the burden of chronic disease increases with age. A geographic information system, ArcGIS, was used to assess geographic access to general practice for older people residing in the regional Queensland towns of Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. Geographic units with high proportions of over 65-year-old people were spatially analysed in relation to proximity to geomapped general practices with a 2-km buffer zone. Modelling of changes in access was performed with the strategic location of a new general practice where gaps existed. Geographic access to general practice for the older population was poorest in Cairns despite a high population density. Addition of a single, strategically placed general practice in Cairns markedly improved access. Socioeconomic analysis suggested that general practices were appropriately located in areas of greatest need. Geographic information systems provide a means to map population characteristics against service locations to assist in strategic development and location of future health services.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-05-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S10653-019-00299-2
Abstract: Ingestion of food grain grown in metal-contaminated soils may cause serious effects on human health. This study assessed the concentrations of Pb, As, Cd and Zn in agricultural soils and in rice grains near a former secondary lead smelter in Khulna, Bangladesh. It analyzed 29 s les of surface soil and rice grain collected around 500 m of the smelter. Contamination factor (C
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-11-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12913-020-05922-Y
Abstract: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women. Providing timely diagnostic assessment services for screen-detected abnormalities is a core quality indicator of the population-based screening program provided by BreastScreen Australia. However, a shortage of local and locum radiologists with availability and appropriate experience in breast work to attend onsite assessment clinics, limits capacity of services to offer assessment appointments to women in some regional centres. In response to identified need, local service staff developed the remote radiology assessment model for service delivery. This study investigated important factors for establishing the model, the challenges and enablers of successful implementation and operation of the model, and factors important in the provision of a model considered safe and acceptable by service providers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with service providers at four assessment services, across three jurisdictions in Australia. Service providers involved in implementation and operation of the model at the service and jurisdictional level were invited to participate. A social constructivist approach informed the analysis. Deductive analysis was initially undertaken, using the interview questions as a classifying framework. Subsequently, inductive thematic analysis was employed by the research team. Together, the coding team aggregated the codes into overarching themes. 55 service providers participated in interviews. Consistently reported enablers for the safe implementation and operation of a remote radiology assessment clinic included: clinical governance support ability to adapt strong teamwork, trust and communication and, adequate technical support and equipment. Challenges mostly related to technology and internet (speed/bandwidth), and maintenance of relationships within the group. Understanding the key factors for supporting innovation, and implementing new and safe models of service delivery that incorporate telemedicine, will become increasingly important as technology evolves and becomes more accessible. It is possible to take proposed telemedicine solutions initiated by frontline workers and operationalise them safely and successfully: (i) through strong collaborative relationships that are inclusive of key experts (ii) with clear guidance from overarching bodies with some flexibility for adapting to local contexts (iii) through establishment of robust teamwork, trust and communication and, (iv) with appropriate equipment and technical support.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-03-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-12-2018
Publisher: American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
Date: 2018
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 29-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/ARE.15968
Publisher: University of Otago Library
Date: 20-03-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-07-2023
Abstract: Water pollution by contaminants such as toxic metals and dyes is now a major concern due to their high toxicity and persistence in the environment. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the use of micro/nanomaterials to treat and purify water in various industries. In this study, Bijoypur clay was modified with ethyldiamine and incorporated into an okra fiber (Abelmoschus esculentus) micro-cellulose crystal (MCC) to produce a composite that could absorb copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and dyes like basic yellow (II) from industrial wastewater. Composites were prepared using different percentages of MCC and clay. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine the concentrations of Cu and Ni whereas a UV–Visible spectrophotometer measured the absorbance of basic yellow (II). The synthesized composites were extensively characterized using a range of techniques including thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results show that both the MCC and clay could absorb Cu, Ni, and basic yellow (II) from the contaminated wastewater. The MCC and clay composite showed the maximum efficiency of metals removal, which was up to 95% (24 mg/g) for Cu at pH 6, 20 min contact time, 2 g/L adsorbent dose, and 100% (31 mg/g) for Ni at pH 8, 60 min contact time, and 2 g/L adsorbent dose, respectively, at the initial concentration of 50 mg/L. The maximum dye uptake capacity of 85% (19 mg/g) was observed by the MCC and clay composite under optimized conditions at the initial concentration of 50 mg/L, pH 8, 30 min contact time, and 1 g/L adsorbent dose compared to the pure clay, which had an efficiency up to 26% for Cu and 24% for dye removal. All of the results indicate that incorporating clay into MCC increases the absorption capacity of contaminants from wastewater, which could be more effective for environmental applications compared to untreated cellulose.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2020
Abstract: Remote health has been differentiated from rural health in Australia and defined as isolated, with poor service access and a relatively high proportion of Indigenous residents, necessitating different models of care. Educational strategies for remote health practice are often needs driven and the characteristics of remote health may be used to categorise remote health professional education. This scoping review aims to identify the purpose of health professional education for remote settings, the type of educational strategies implemented and the reported outcomes. A broad search of published literature available in online bibliographic databases was conducted. A total of 33 articles met the review inclusion criteria. A further 7 articles were identified for inclusion in the review through citation searches and the authors’ networks giving a total of 40 articles. Six primary themes were established based on the educational purpose: (1) cultural competency (2) social accountability (3) rural and remote skill development for the general workforce (4) remote specialisation (5) specialist skills required for a remote workforce and (6) remote teaching. These themes also reflect the philosophical change over time recognising remote health as a separate discipline and its value as a distinctive and efficacious learning environment. The concept of education for remote practice is proposed to describe this unique leaning environment which encompasses critical pedagogy to develop a sense of agency and social accountability, embedding the delivery of primary health care through service learning and developing relationships in a context which is transformative.
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 08-09-2022
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-1671240/V1
Abstract: This study aimed to estimate arsenic (As) and iron (Fe) content in tubewell water (n = 58) in primary educational institutions and subsequently assess the health risks to school-going children. Results described that the As concentration ranged between 0.002 and 0.994 mg∙L-1 with an average value of 0.044 mg∙L-1 which exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) provisional guideline value of 0.01 mg∙L-1. Similarly, the Fe content varied from 0.05 to 10 mg∙L-1 averaging to 2.84 mg∙L-1. S les of 55.17 % contained a greater As concentration than 0.01 mg∙L-1 and 18.97% greater than Bangladesh drinking water quality (BDWQ) standardof 0.05 mg∙L-1, respectively. Meanwhile, 75.86 % of s les contained a higher Fe concentration than the maximum Bangladesh permissible limit of 1 mg∙L-1. Health risk assessment indicated that girls are more vulnerable than boys are. The average hazard quotients (HQs) for As intake through drinking water were 6.01 ± 17.85 and 7.41 ± 22.03 for boys and girls, respectively, implying non-carcinogenic health risks to both genders. The HQs for Fe intake were less than threshold value of 1 indicating no health issues may arise from Fe intake alone. However, consumption of As and Fe may trigger health risks to students as indicated by the hazard index (HI), which was higher than 1.The average cancer risk (CR) values for both boys (0.0027 ± 0.008) and girls (0.0033 ± 0.0099) exceeded the threshold limit of 10-6–10-4, suggesting a possibility of lifetime cancer risks to the school-going children. Consequently, school authorities should find alternative ways to ensure safe drinking water for school-going children to avoid possible cancer and non-cancer health risks through consumption of As-poisoning water.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 15-01-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.134774
Abstract: In arsenic (As) endemic areas of south-east Asia, where a subsistence rice-based diet is prevalent, As exposure from food is mainly focused on rice intake. However, consumption of wheat is substantial and increasing. We present a probabilistic assessment of increased cancer risk from wheat-based food intake in a study population of rural Bihar, India where As exposure is endemic. Total As in wheat grains (43.64 ± 48.19 µg/kg, n = 72) collected from 77 households across 19 villages was found to be lower than reported As in wheat grains from other south-east Asian countries but higher than a previous study from Bihar. This is the first study where As concentration in wheat flour was used for risk estimation, bearing in mind that it was the flour obtained after indigenous household processing of the grains that was used for making the home-made bread (chapati) which contributed 95% of wheat intake for the studied population. Interestingly, while 78% of the surveyed participants (n = 154) consumed rice every day, chapati was consumed every day by 99.5% of the participants. In contrast to previous studies, where As concentration in wheat grains was found to be lower than the flour due to the removal of the bran on grinding, we did not find any appreciable lowering of arsenic in the wheat flour (49.80 ± 74.08 µg/kg, n = 58), most likely due to external contamination during processing and grinding. Estimated gender adjusted excess lifetime cancer risk of 1.23 × 10
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-03-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/W13233320
Abstract: Excessive discharge of phosphorus (P) to aquatic ecosystems can lead to unpleasant eutrophication phenomenon. Removal and recovery of P is challenging due to low C/N ratios in wastewater, hence the development of efficient removal and recovery of P strategies is essential. In this study, zirconium–iron (Zr–FeBC) and iron modified (Fe–BC) biosolid biochars were examined to investigate their capacity for the removal of P by batch experiments. The influence of solution pH, biochar dose, initial P concentration, ionic strength, interfering ions and temperature were also studied to evaluate the P adsorption performance of biochars. The P experimental data were best described with pseudo-second order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum P adsorption capacities were reached to 33.33 and 25.71 mg g−1 for 24 h by Zr–FeBC and Fe-BC at pH 5 and 4, respectively. Desorption studies were performed to investigate the reusability, cost-effectiveness and stability of the adsorbents Zr–FeBC and Fe-BC. The adsorption–desorption study suggests that both examined biochars have considerable potentiality as adsorbent candidates in removing as well as recovery of P from wastewaters. Results also reveal that the regenerated Zr–FeBC and Fe–BC could be utilized repetitively in seven adsorption–desorption cycles using NaOH as a desorbing agent, which greatly reduces the P-removal cost from wastewaters. Thus, P enriched biochar could potentially be used as fertilizer in the agriculture sector.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-08-2023
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.52020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-05-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S10661-019-7483-3
Abstract: Lead smelters are important source of metal pollution. This study assessed ecological risks of three heavy metals (Pb, As, and Zn) in agricultural soils surrounding five Pb smelters from Khulna district in Bangladesh. A total of 81 surface soil s les collected within 500-m radius of the smelters were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Concentrations of Pb, As, and Zn ranged within 6-3902, 1.8-9.6, and 45.4-563 mg/kg, respectively. About half of the Pb s les (~ 51%) exceeded soil quality standard target value (85 mg/kg), and the concentrations gradually decreased with horizontal distance from the smelter. The value of pollution index (PI) measured for Pb, As, and Zn varied respectively in the range of 0-195, 0.6-3.2, and 0.67-8.28, with mean values of 11.7, 1.9, and 3.92. The value of integrated pollution index (IPI) calculated for these metals remained between 0.58 and 66.2 with a mean of 5.7, and that designates ~ 96% of the s led soils as moderately or highly contaminated. Potential ecological risk (PER) calculated for the metals indicate that all the s les were within low to moderate risk, and the descending order of PER of the metals was Pb > As > Zn.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-12-2015
DOI: 10.1111/MEDU.12518
Abstract: Socially accountable medical schools aim to reduce health inequalities by training workforces responsive to the priority health needs of underserved communities. One key strategy involves recruiting students from underserved and unequally represented communities on the basis that they may be more likely to return and address local health priorities. This study describes the impacts of different selection strategies of medical schools that aspire to social accountability on the presence of students from underserved communities in their medical education programmes and on student practice intentions. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to students starting medical education in five institutions with a social accountability mandate in five different countries. The questionnaire assessed students' background characteristics, rurality of background, and practice intentions (location, discipline of practice and population to be served). The results were compared with the characteristics of students entering medical education in schools with standard selection procedures, and with publicly available socio-economic data. The selection processes of all five schools included strategies that extended beyond the assessment of academic achievement. Four distinct strategies were identified: the quota system selection based on personal attributes community involvement, and school marketing strategies. Questionnaire data from 944 students showed that students at the five schools were more likely to be of non-urban origin, of lower socio-economic status and to come from underserved groups. A total of 407 of 810 (50.2%) students indicated an intention to practise in a non-urban area after graduation and the likelihood of this increased with increasing rurality of primary schooling (p = 0.000). Those of rural origin were statistically less likely to express an intention to work abroad (p = 0.003). Selection strategies to ensure that members of underserved communities can pursue medical careers can be effective in achieving a fair and equitable representation of underserved communities within the student body. Such strategies may contribute to a erse medical student body with strong intentions to work with underserved populations.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 28-05-2021
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-12-2020
Abstract: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women. Given the erse geography and populations within Australia, the ability to offer a telemedicine-supported breast screening and assessment service may increase access. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of a telemedicine-based remote radiology assessment service delivery model for detecting breast cancer in regional Australian women compared to the traditional radiologist onsite model. This study was a pre–post intervention study using de-identified administrative data. Data were collected from seven sites across three health jurisdictions within Australia. There were a total of 21,117 assessment visits, with 10,508 (49.8%) pre- and 10,609 (50.2%) post-remote model implementation. Of the 10,609 post-remote model visits, 3,904 (36.8%) were under the remote model. The main outcome was cancer detection, split into any cancer, any invasive cancer or any small invasive cancer. Timeliness of assessment was also examined. After adjusting for multiple factors, there were no statistically significant differences in cancer detection rates between the remote and onsite models (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.02, 95% CI 0.86–1.19, n.s.). Implementing the remote assessment model had statistically significant positive effects on the timeliness of assessment (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.59–0.77, p 0.001). This study found the remote model delivers safe and high-quality assessment services, with equivalent rates of cancer detection and improved timeliness of assessment when compared to the traditional onsite model. Careful monitoring and ongoing evaluation of any health-service model is important for ongoing safety, efficiency and acceptability.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2021.133288
Abstract: Lead (Pb) pollution in the environment predominantly occurs through anthropogenic activities, which pose significant threats to human health and that of biota. In this study, Pb and other elements were investigated in different soils (n = 52), crops (n = 24) and water (n = 13) around a lead-acid battery (LAB) recycling workshop in southwestern Bangladesh. Most of the elements' concentrations (except Se and Ag) in soil were lower than the background concentrations. However, excessive concentrations of Pb were found in both surface (966 ± 2414 mg kg
Publisher: American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
Date: 2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-10-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-04-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-021-86978-6
Abstract: Antimony (Sb) is increasingly being recognized as an important contaminant due to its various industrial applications and mining operations. Environmental remediation approaches for Sb are still lacking, as is the understanding of Sb environmental chemistry. In this study, biosolid biochar (BSBC) was produced and utilized to remove antimonate (Sb(V)) from aqueous solution. Zirconium (Zr), Zirconium-iron (Zr–Fe) and Fe–O coated BSBC were synthesized for enhancing Sb(V) sorption capacities of BSBC. The combined results of specific surface area, FTIR, SEM–EDS, TEM–EDS, and XPS confirmed that Zr and/or Zr–Fe were successfully coated onto BSBC. The effects of reaction time, pH, initial Sb(V) concentration, adsorbate doses, ionic strength, temperature, and the influence of major competitive co-existing anions and cations on the adsorption of Sb(V) were investigated. The maximum sorption capacity of Zr–O, Zr–Fe, Zr–FeCl 3 , Fe–O, and FeCl 3 coated BSBC were 66.67, 98.04, 85.47, 39.68, and 31.54 mg/g respectively under acidic conditions. The XPS results revealed redox transformation of Sb(V) species to Sb(III) occurred under oxic conditions, demonstrating the biochar’s ability to behave as an electron shuttle during sorption. The sorption study suggests that Zr–O and Zr–O–Fe coated BSBC could perform as favourable adsorbents for mitigating Sb(V) contaminated waters.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-05-2020
Publisher: Science Publishing Group
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2019.125070
Abstract: Arsenic (As) exposure from surface and groundwater in Peru is being recognised as a potential threat but there are limited studies on As in the food-chain and none on As in Peruvian rice. In this study, we have determined the As content in rice cultivated in the Tumbes river basin located in the northern province of Peru, an area known for extensive rice cultivation. We collected rice and soil s les from agricultural fields, soil was collected using grid s ling technique while rice was collected from the heaps of harvested crop placed across the fields. The average total As concentration in rice was 167.94 ± 71 μg kg
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-03-2022
Abstract: Oligo(L-lactic acid) (OLLA) was synthesized by ring opening polymerization of L-lactides using stannous octoate (0.03 wt% of lactide). While this served as the initiator, L-lactic acids were the co-initiators at 140 °C for 10 h, wherein L-lactic acids were prepared by hydrolytic degradation of L-lactides at 100 °C for 1 h. The molecular weight or degree of polymerization was controlled with monomer/co-initiator ratio (mol/mol). α-cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were extracted from jute fiber by subsequent treatment with sodium chlorite (Na2ClO2), NaOH and H2SO4. Grafting of OLLA onto α-cellulose and MCC in toluene was carried out using para-toluene sulphonic acid as a catalyst and potassium persulphate (KPS) as an initiator at 130 °C under 380 mm (Hg) pressure for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 h. New properties of α-cellulose and MCC were observed due to the successful grafting onto α-cellulose and MCC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were conducted in order to confirm grafting of OLLA onto cellulose and MCC. The FTIR analysis results showed there are some new characteristic absorption peaks appeared (1728 to 1732 cm−1) in the spectrum, which confirmed the grafting of OLLA onto α-cellulose and MCC was successful. SEM images of α-cellulose and MCC before and after grafting revealed significant changes in surface morphology. Grafting of MCC could be more effective for further application in comparison to α-cellulose.
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 05-01-2021
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-138152/V1
Abstract: Antimony (Sb) is increasingly being recognized as an important contaminant due to its various industrial applications and mining operations. Environmental remediation approaches for Sb are still lacking, as is the understanding of Sb environmental chemistry. In this study, biosolid biochar (BSBC) was produced and utilized to remove antimonate (Sb(V)) from aqueous solution. Zirconium (Zr), Zirconium-iron (Zr-Fe) and Fe-O coated BSBC were synthesized for enhancing Sb(V) sorption capacities of BSBC. The combined results of specific surface area, FTIR, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS, and XPS confirmed that Zr and/or Zr-Fe were successfully coated onto BSBC. The effects of reaction time, pH, initial Sb(V) concentration, adsorbate doses, ionic strength, temperature, and the influence of major competitive co-existing anions and cations on the adsorption of Sb(V) were investigated. The maximum sorption capacity of Zr-O, Zr-Fe, Zr-FeCl3, Fe-O, and FeCl3 coated BSBC were 66.67, 98.04, 85.47, 39.68, and 31.54 mg/g respectively under acidic conditions. The XPS results revealed redox transformation of Sb(V) species to Sb(III) occurred under oxic conditions, demonstrating the biochar’s ability to behave as an electron shuttle during sorption. The sorption study suggest that Zr-O and Zr-O-Fe coated BSBC could perform as favourable adsorbents for mitigating Sb(V) contaminated waters.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-09-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S11631-022-00563-W
Abstract: This study aimed to estimate arsenic (As) and iron (Fe) content in tubewell water ( n = 58) in primary educational institutions and subsequently assess the health risks to school-going children. Results described that the As concentration ranged between 0.002 and 0.994 mg L −1 with an average value of 0.044 mg L −1 which exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) provisional guideline value of 0.01 mg L −1 . Similarly, the Fe content varied from 0.05 to 10 mg L −1 averaging to 2.84 mg L −1 . S les of 55.17% contained a greater As concentration than 0.01 mg L −1 and 18.97% greater than Bangladesh drinking water quality (BDWQ) standard of 0.05 mg L −1 , respectively. Meanwhile, 75.86% of s les contained a higher Fe concentration than the maximum Bangladesh permissible limit of 1 mg L −1 . Health risk assessment indicated that girls are more vulnerable than boys are. The average hazard quotients (HQs) for As intake through drinking water were 6.01 ± 17.85 and 7.41 ± 22.03 for boys and girls, respectively, implying non-carcinogenic health risks to both genders. The HQs for Fe intake were less than threshold value of 1 indicating no health issues may arise from Fe intake alone. However, consumption of As and Fe may trigger health risks to students as indicated by the hazard index (HI), which was higher than 1. The average cancer risk (CR) values for both boys (0.0027 ± 0.008) and girls (0.0033 ± 0.0099) exceeded the threshold limit of 10 –6 –10 –4 , suggesting a possibility of lifetime cancer risks to the school-going children. Consequently, school authorities should find alternative ways to ensure safe drinking water for school-going children to avoid possible cancer and non-cancer health risks through consumption of As-poisoning water.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2022.135339
Abstract: In Zamfara state, Nigeria, rice is cultivated in fields contaminated with Pb (lead) from artisanal and illicit mining activities. Rice grown in such contaminated agricultural areas risks not only Pb contamination but also contamination from other toxic elements, like arsenic (As) co-contamination of Pb and As in rice cultivated in mining impacted areas has been previously reported and rice is a hyperaccumulator of As. A field study was conducted with ten different commonly-cultivated Nigerian rice varieties in the mining-impacted farmlands of Dareta village, Zamfara State. The aim was to determine the optimal rice variety for cultivation on these contaminated farmlands an optimal variety would have the lowest contaminant concentrations and highest essential elements concentrations in the rice grains. A total of 300 paired soil and rice plants were collected. The mean As and Pb concentrations in paddy soils were 0.91 ± 0.82 mg kg
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-05-2017
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/SH13131
Abstract: Background Young people in regional and rural Queensland have difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Young people’s views regarding barriers and enablers for accessing SRH services and markers of quality are largely unknown. Methods: Young people’s perceptions regarding SRH services are explored through a cross-sectional study via eight reference group meetings and an electronic survey in four sites: Atherton Tablelands, Rockh ton, Toowoomba and Townsville. The survey, developed in consultation with young people, was administered online and face to face using tablet computers. Data from 391 rural and regional participants was precoded for bivariate comparisons involving χ2 and confidence interval (CI) tests. Results: The most valued markers of quality in SRH services defined by young people all related to staff characteristics. Young people preferred services where staff were friendly (87.3% 95% CI: 83.8–90.8%), easy to talk to (91.4% 95% CI: 88.5–94.3%), good listeners (95.4% 95% CI: 93.2–97.6%) and did not judge them (90.5% 95% CI: 87.4–93.6%). A model of SRH service delivery encompassed within general health services was highly valued by 58.9% (95% CI 53.7–64.1%). However, 36.2% (95% CI: 31.4–41.0%) preferred to seek care from SRH specialist services. Conclusions: Service provision can be improved by training, and retaining friendly, attentive and non-judgemental staff. A model of service provision that includes general health care and provides sexual health services may increase the acceptability and accessibility of SRH services among youth. Additionally, our study highlights the need for choice between general and specialist SRH services.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 03-01-2022
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-01-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12905-020-01163-7
Abstract: Telehealth and teleradiology are increasingly used around the world to facilitate health care provision when the health care provider and clients are separated by distance. The BreastScreen Australia Remote Radiology Assessment Model (RRAM) is an initiative developed to address the challenges of inadequate access to a local radiological workforce in regional Australia. With the growth in telehealth innovations more broadly, the RRAM represents a departure from the traditional onsite model where a radiologist would be co-located with practice staff during assessment clinics. Understanding client satisfaction is an important consideration with new models. This article explores client perceptions of the RRAM including awareness, satisfaction with experiences, confidence in the quality of care being received, and preferences regarding models of service delivery. Clients in four BreastScreen services across three Australian states and territories were invited to provide feedback on their experiences of the RRAM. Brief face-to-face interviews based on a survey were conducted at the conclusion of assessment clinic visits. Clients also provided feedback through surveys completed and returned by post, and online. 144 clients completed the survey regarding their experiences of the RRAM. The majority were aged between 50 and 59 years (55/144, 38.2%). Most had attended a BreastScreen service for either screening or assessment on a total of two to five occasions (85/142, 59.9%) in the past. Nearly all women who attended a RRAM clinic expressed satisfaction with their experience (142/143, 99.3%). Clients were aware that the radiologist was working from another location (131/143, 91.6%) and the majority believed there wouldn’t be any difference in the care they received between the RRAM and the onsite model (120/142, 84.5%). Clients generally had no particular preference for either the onsite or RRAM model of service delivery. Clients’ high satisfaction with their clinic experiences, high confidence in care being received, and the majority having no preference for either the onsite or remote model indicates their acceptance of the RRAM. Client acceptance of the model supports continuation of the RRAM at these sites and expansion. Findings may inform future telehealth innovations where key health care team members are working remotely.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-02-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 07-06-2021
Abstract: Scarcity of safe drinking water in the coastal regions throughout the world has long been recognized due to hydrological vulnerability and natural disaster, which is severe in developing countries like Bangladesh. This study focuses on trace metal(loid)s contamination and their associated health risks for primary school children from the consumption of tubewell water at school time in the vulnerable southwest coastal region of Bangladesh. The average content of electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, chloride, total dissolved solids (TDSs), hardness, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) were 1,983.6 ± 1,434.6 μS cm−1, 10.46 ± 10.3 NTU, 676.3 ± 648.1, 1,089.1 ± 788.6, 560.6 ± 326.6, 2.18 ± 1.99, and 0.19 ± 0.36 mg L−1, respectively, which exceeded their respective health-based guideline values. The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were lower than the World Health Organization provisional guideline values. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the EC of groundwater is dependent on TDS, chlorides, and other cations contributing to hardness, while turbidity results from the Fe content in groundwater. The hazard quotients (HQs) of As, Fe, Mn, and Zn intake were lower than unity for both boys and girls, indicating no non-carcinogenic risks to the children. However, cancer risks (CRs) from As exposure through drinking water were 1.5 and 1.8 times higher than the provisional safe value of 10−4 for boys and girls, indicating a lifetime cancer risk to the school-going children. Therefore, prompt and effective monitoring is a crying need to ensure water's continuous usability for drinking purposes in the study area.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-01-2021
DOI: 10.3390/W13030354
Abstract: Arsenic (As) removal plants were installed in As-endemic areas of Bangladesh to remove As from well water. In many cases, these removal plants did not perform satisfactorily. This study evaluated the efficiency of 20 As and iron (Fe) removal plants (AIRPs) during pre- and post-monsoon conditions in rural Bangladesh. Results revealed that As removal efficiencies ranged from 67% to 98% and 74 to 93% during the pre- and post-monsoons periods, respectively. In the post-monsoon season As removal at in idual AIRP sites was on average (4.01%) greater than in the pre-monsoon season. However, two removal plants were unable to remove As below 50 µg L−1 (Bangladesh drinking water standard) during pre-monsoon, while 11 s les out of 20 were unable to remove As below the WHO provisional guideline value of 10 µg L−1. During post-monsoon, none of the s les exceeded 50 µg L−1, but eight of them exceeded 10 µg L−1. The Fe removal efficiencies of AIRPs were evident in more than 80% s les. Although As removal efficiency was found to be substantial, a cancer risk assessment indicates that hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) of As in treated water for adults and children are above the threshold limits. Thus, additional reductions of As concentrations in treated water are needed to further reduce the excess cancer risk due to As in drinking water. Since 55% and 40% of the AIRPs were unable to remove As 10 µg L−1 during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, further improvement including changes in AIRP design, regular cleaning of sludge, and periodic monitoring of water quality are suggested. Future research is needed to determine whether these modifications improve the performance of AIRPs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-01-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S10661-019-7217-6
Abstract: Rainwater is a typical source of drinking water in the coastal areas of Bangladesh given the acute scarcity of drinking water. This study assessed potability of harvested rainwater of primary schools in southwest coastal Bangladesh. Water s les collected from 23 primary schools of Mongla sub-district under Bagerhat district were evaluated for indicator bacteria (total coliform (TC) and E. coli) and physico-chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solid, Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cd). Median concentrations of TC and E. coli in the harvested rainwater s les were respectively 3000 cfu/100 ml and 6 cfu/100 ml. However, concentrations of these indicator bacteria were lower at the consumption points which received a prior treatment. Concentration of Pb exceeded the maximum allowable limit for drinking water indicated by WHO and Bangladesh drinking water guideline value in 92% and 61% of the s les respectively, and the mean concentration was 0.08 mg/l (8 times higher than the WHO guideline value). The Pb contamination possibly occurred from the painting on roof railing and roof stair room. Therefore, consumption of harvested rainwater at primary schools may cause substantial health risk for the school-going children.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BMJGH-2023-012094
Abstract: Understanding the health status of a population or community is crucial to equitable service planning. Among other uses, data on health status can help local and national planners and policy makers understand patterns and trends in current or emerging health and well-being, especially how disparities relating to geography, ethnicity, language and living with disability influence access to services. In this practice paper we draw attention to the nature of Australia’s health data challenges and call for greater ‘democratisation’ of health data to address health system inequities. Democratisation implies the need for greater quality and representativeness of health data as well as improved access and usability that enable health planners and researchers to respond to health and health service disparities efficiently and cost-effectively. We draw on learnings from two practice ex les, marred by inaccessibility, reduced interoperability and limited representativeness. We call for renewed and urgent attention to, and investment in, improved data quality and usability for all levels of health, disability and related service delivery in Australia.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 19-07-2018
DOI: 10.2166/WH.2018.057
Abstract: Safe water is essential for life. Consumption of arsenic and manganese contaminated water poses a range of health effects to humans. Physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics of groundwater at five administrative upazillas in Kushtia District, Bangladesh, have been studied to evaluate the potability of water for drinking purpose from 32 randomly selected tube wells (TWs). APHA (2012) standard analytical methods were applied for analyses of the physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters of the water s les. Arsenic, iron, and manganese content were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The investigated parameters of water s les were found as pH 6.81-8.12, electrical conductivity (EC) 520-1,995 μs/cm, total dissolved solids (TDS) 357.8-1,372.6 mg/L, chloride 10-615 mg/L, total hardness 285-810 mg/L, arsenic (As) 0.001-0.098 mg/L, iron (Fe) 0.04-1.45 mg/L, manganese (Mn) 0.01-6.32 mg/L. About 56.25% of TWs were highly contaminated with fecal coliform (FC) and 68.75% were found to be contaminated with total coliform (TC). Results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Bangladesh Drinking Standards (BDS). The concentrations of water quality parameters are much higher as compared to WHO and BDS standards. This may cause acute public health risks and make water unsuitable for direct human consumption without treatment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-03-2015
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12186
Abstract: This study aims to describe the views of sexual health service providers on access issues for young people and consider them together with the views of young people themselves. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study design involving semi-structured interviews with health service providers and an electronic survey with young people. Four towns in rural and regional Queensland, Australia. A total of 32 service providers: 9 sexual health nurses, 8 general practitioners, 6 school-based youth health nurses, 5 sexual health educators, 2 Australian Aboriginal health workers and 2 youth workers. There were 391 young people who participated in the Young People's Survey. Themes generated from interviews with service providers and quantitative data from young people addressing access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for rural and regional young people. Service providers frequently identified structural barriers, confidentiality and lack of awareness of SRH services as barriers for young people seeking SRH care. Young people also reported that structural factors such as transport, cost and service operating hours were important however, they placed greater value on personal attributes of service providers, particularly welcoming and non-judgemental attitudes. Health service policy and training focused on attitudinal qualities of in idual service providers may improve access to SRH services for young people. Selective staff recruitment and professional development are important to increase sensitivity to youth issues. Promotion of non-judgemental and confidential care may also improve access for youth.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-11-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S10661-016-5692-6
Abstract: Safe potable water is essential for good health. Worldwide, school-aged children especially in the developing countries are suffering from various water-borne diseases. In the study, drinking water supplies for primary school children were monitored at Magura district, Bangladesh, to ensure safe potable water. APHA standard analytical methods were applied for determining the physicochemical parameters of the water s les. For determination of the essential physicochemical parameters, the s les were collected from 20 randomly selected tube wells of primary schools at Magura. The metal contents, especially arsenic (As), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), in the water s les were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The range of physicochemical parameters found in water s les were as follows: pH 7.05-9.03, electrical conductivity 400-2340 μS/cm, chloride 10-640 mg/L, hardness 200-535 mg/L as CaCO
Location: Bangladesh
No related grants have been discovered for Karen Johnston.