ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5839-698X
Current Organisations
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
,
Sloan Kettering Institute
,
University of Queensland
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In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Preventive Medicine | Public Health and Health Services | Environmental Impact Assessment | Environmental Management
Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified | Consumption Patterns, Population Issues and the Environment | Environmental Health |
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-09-2015
DOI: 10.1038/JES.2015.49
Abstract: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticiser found in a number of household plastics, electronics, and food-packaging materials. Over the past 5 years, several human epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between BPA exposure and adverse health outcomes in children, including obesity, asthma, preterm birth, and neuro-behavioural disturbances. These findings are in conflict with international environmental risk assessment models, which predict daily exposure levels to BPA should not pose a risk to child health. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the evidence for different exposure sources and potential exposure pathways of BPA in early childhood. By collating the findings from experimental models and exposure associations observed in human bio-monitoring studies, we affirm the potential for non-dietary sources to make a substantial contribution to total daily exposure in young children. Infants and toddlers have distinctive exposure sources, physiology, and metabolism of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We recommend risk-assessment models implement new frameworks, which specifically address exposure and hazard in early childhood. This is particularly important for BPA, which is present in numerous products in the home and day-care environments, and for which animal studies report contradictory findings on its safety at environmentally relevant levels of exposure.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.108613
Abstract: Environmental and behavioural factors assessed via an online questionnaire were compared to insecticide metabolite concentrations in urine collected from 61 children from South East Queensland, Australia. Metabolite concentrations (μg/L urine) were transformed using the natural logarithm prior to regression analysis and adjusted for age and creatinine. A significant dietary association was reported for vegetable intake and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) (β: 1.47 for top quartile of intake versus bottom quartile of intake 95% CI: 0.36, 2.57). Intake of vegetables and fruit were also positively associated with sum non-specific organophosphate metabolites (ƩnsOP). ƩnsOP concentrations were lower when fruits and vegetables were always or almost always washed prior to cooking or eating (β: -0.69 95% CI: -1.25, -0.12). In multivariable modelling 3-PBA concentrations were also associated with hand-washing frequency (β: 1.69 95% CI: 0.76, 2.61 for 3 day), presence of a dog in the home (β: 0.73 95% CI: 0.07, 1.38), frequency of pest-spray use in the summer months (β: 0.88 95% CI: 0.22, 1.54 weekly versus less than weekly) and season (β: 0.88 95% CI: 0.32, 1.44 for spring/summer versus winter/autumn). This is the first study in Australia to report dietary, behavioural and environmental factors associated with biomarkers of insecticide exposure in young children.
Publisher: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.
Date: 05-11-2018
DOI: 10.29024/AOGH.2361
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-09-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-016-7571-7
Abstract: A range of pesticides are available in Australia for use in agricultural and domestic settings to control pests, including organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, herbicides, and insect repellents, such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). The aim of this study was to provide a cost-effective preliminary assessment of background exposure to a range of pesticides among a convenience s le of Australian residents. De-identified urine specimens stratified by age and sex were obtained from a community-based pathology laboratory and pooled (n = 24 pools of 100 specimens). Concentrations of urinary pesticide biomarkers were quantified using solid-phase extraction coupled with isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Geometric mean biomarker concentrations ranged from <0.1 to 36.8 ng/mL for organophosphate insecticides, <0.1 to 5.5 ng/mL for pyrethroid insecticides, and <0.1 to 8.51 ng/mL for all other biomarkers with the exception of the DEET metabolite 3-diethylcarbamoyl benzoic acid (4.23 to 850 ng/mL). We observed no association between age and concentration for most biomarkers measured but noted a "U-shaped" trend for five organophosphate metabolites, with the highest concentrations observed in the youngest and oldest age strata, perhaps related to age-specific differences in behavior or physiology. The fact that concentrations of specific and non-specific metabolites of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos were higher than reported in USA and Canada may relate to differences in registered applications among countries. Additional biomonitoring programs of the general population and focusing on vulnerable populations would improve the exposure assessment and the monitoring of temporal exposure trends as usage patterns of pesticide products in Australia change over time.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-10-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JAM.12342
Abstract: In this study, faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) namely Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. were seeded into slurries of possum faeces and placed on the roof and in the gutter of a roof-captured rainwater (RCR) system. The persistence of FIB in these circumstances was determined under ambient climatic conditions. FIB persistence was also determined under in situ conditions in tank water using diffusion chambers. The numbers of surviving FIB at different time intervals were enumerated using culture-based methods. Both FIB were rapidly inactivated on the roof under sunlight conditions (T(90) = 2 h) compared with shade conditions (T(90) = 9-53 h). Significant differences were observed between sunlight and shade conditions on the roof for both T90 values of E. coli (P < 0·001) and Enterococcus spp. (P < 0·001). E. coli showed biphasic inactivation patterns under both clean and unclean gutter conditions. Enterococcus spp., however, showed rapid inactivation (T(90) = 2 h for the clean gutter and T(90) = 6 h for the unclean gutter) compared with E. coli (T(90) = 22 h for the clean gutter and T(90) = 20 h for the unclean gutter). Significant differences were also observed between the T(90) values of E. coli and Enterococcus spp. for both clean (P < 0·001) and unclean (P < 0·001) gutters. Both E. coli and Enterococcus spp. showed nonlinear biphasic inactivation in tank water. Significant difference was observed between the T(90) value of E. coli inactivation compared with Enterococcus spp. (P < 0·001) in the tank water. In this study, FIB were observed to survive longer (T(90) = 9-53 h) on the roof under shade conditions compared with sunlight conditions (T(90) = 2 h). If there is a rainfall event within two to three days after the deposition of faecal maters on the roof, it is highly likely that FIB would be transported to the tank water. When introduced into the tank, a relatively slow inactivation process may take place (T(90) = 38-72 h). The presence of FIB in water indicates faecal pollution and potential presence of enteric pathogens. Therefore, the information on the resilience of FIB, as obtained in this study, can be used for indirect assessment of health risks associated with using roof-captured rainwater for potable and nonpotable purposes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.10.084
Abstract: Rapid global expansion of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) raises environmental health concerns. Many studies present information on these concerns, yet the strength of epidemiological evidence remains tenuous. This paper is a review of the strength of evidence in scientific reporting of environmental hazards from UNGD activities associated with adverse human health outcomes. Studies were drawn from peer-reviewed and grey literature following a systematic search. Five databases were searched for studies published from January 1995 through March 2014 using key search terms relevant to environmental health. Studies were screened, ranked and then reviewed according to the strength of the evidence presented on adverse environmental health outcomes associated with UNGD. The initial searches yielded >1000 studies, but this was reduced to 109 relevant studies after the ranking process. Only seven studies were considered highly relevant based on strength of evidence. Articles spanned several relevant topics, but most focussed on impacts on typical environmental media, such as water and air, with much of the health impacts inferred rather than evidenced. Additionally, the majority of studies focussed on short-term, rather than long-term, health impacts, which is expected considering the timeframe of UNGD therefore, very few studies examined health outcomes with longer latencies such as cancer or developmental outcomes. Current scientific evidence for UNGD that demonstrates associations between adverse health outcomes directly with environmental health hazards resulting from UNGD activities generally lacks methodological rigour. Importantly, however, there is also no evidence to rule out such health impacts. While the current evidence in the scientific research reporting leaves questions unanswered about the actual environmental health impacts, public health concerns remain intense. This is a clear gap in the scientific knowledge that requires urgent attention.
Publisher: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.5334/AOGH.3671
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-03-2021
Abstract: Least developed countries (LDCs) are home to over a billion people throughout Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean. The people who live in LDCs represent just 13% of the global population but 40% of its growth rate. Characterised by low incomes and low education levels, high proportions of the population practising subsistence living, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of economic ersity and resilience, LDCs face serious health, environmental, social, and economic challenges. Many communities in LDCs have very limited access to adequate sanitation, safe water, and clean cooking fuel. LDCs are environmentally vulnerable facing depletion of natural resources, the effects of unsustainable urbanization, and the impacts of climate change, leaving them unable to safeguard their children’s lifetime health and wellbeing. This paper reviews and describes the complexity of the causal relationships between children’s health and its environmental, social, and economic influences in LDCs using a causal loop diagram (CLD). The results identify some critical feedbacks between poverty, family size, population growth, children’s and adults’ health, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), air pollution, and education levels in LDCs and suggest leverage points for potential interventions. A CLD can also be a starting point for quantitative systems science approaches in the field, which can predict and compare the effects of interventions.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-06-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-01-2022
Abstract: The populations in the vicinity of surface coal mining activities have a higher risk of morbidity due to diseases, such as cardiovascular, respiratory and hypertensive diseases, as well as cancer and diabetes mellitus. Despite the large and historical volume of coal production in Queensland, the main Australian coal mining state, there is little research on the association of coal mining exposures with morbidity in non-occupational populations in this region. This study explored the association of coal production (Gross Raw Output—GRO) with hospitalisations due to six disease groups in Queensland using a Bayesian spatial hierarchical analysis and considering the spatial distribution of the Local Government Areas (LGAs). There is a positive association of GRO with hospitalisations due to circulatory diseases (1.022, 99% CI: 1.002–1.043) and respiratory diseases (1.031, 95% CI: 1.001–1.062) for the whole of Queensland. A higher risk of circulatory, respiratory and chronic lower respiratory diseases is found in LGAs in northwest and central Queensland and a higher risk of hypertensive diseases, diabetes mellitus and lung cancer is found in LGAs in north, west, and north and southeast Queensland, respectively. These findings can be used to support public health strategies to protect communities at risk. Further research is needed to identify the causal links between coal mining and morbidity in non-occupational populations in Queensland.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-05-2020
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2013.677
Abstract: Plastic containers in the range of 5–20 L are widely used – especially in rural African settings – to collect, transport and store water for domestic use, including drinking, bathing and hygiene. The pathogen content of the waters in these containers has not been adequately characterized as yet. This paper presents the primary findings of a synoptic survey of drinking water quality s les from these containers and involved collection of bacterial indicator and pathogenicity gene data. In total, 571 s les of a variety of waters were taken in rural communities in South Africa and the Escherichia coli numbers measured. Of the E. coli positive s les, 46% (n = 148) were screened for the presence of E. coli pathogen gene markers. Though synoptic, the survey provided many insights into the issues that drove the study. Container use markedly degraded water quality as judged by indicator counts, even where improved water supply services were in place. Household container use also appeared to promote regrowth or contamination of containers with pathogenic E. coli strains. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis also showed that the ersity of potential pathogenic E. coli carrying virulence genes was great. All seven genes screened for (Ial, Stx1, Stx2, EaeA, Eagg, ST, LT) were found in the waters, alone or as mixtures (number of different combinations = 31) including those characteristic of the more dangerous invasive and haemorrhagic E. coli strains. Given the central role of containers in the management of water supply to rural communities, it is clear the microbiology of these waters requires much further characterization.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.EXPPARA.2015.08.009
Abstract: The risk of human hookworm infections from land application of wastewater matrices could be high in regions with high hookworm prevalence. A rapid, sensitive and specific hookworm detection method from wastewater matrices is required in order to assess human health risks. Currently available methods used to identify hookworm ova to the species level are time consuming and lack accuracy. In this study, a real-time PCR method was developed for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of canine hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum) ova from wastewater matrices. A. caninum was chosen because of its morphological similarity to the human hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). The newly developed PCR method has high detection sensitivity with the ability to detect less than one A. caninum ova from 1 L of secondary treated wastewater at the mean threshold cycle (CT) values ranging from 30.1 to 34.3. The method is also able to detect four A. caninum ova from 1 L of raw wastewater and from ∼4 g of treated sludge with mean CT values ranging from 35.6 to 39.8 and 39.8 to 39.9, respectively. The better detection sensitivity obtained for secondary treated wastewater compared to raw wastewater and sludge s les could be attributed to s le turbidity. The proposed method appears to be rapid, sensitive and specific compared to traditional methods and has potential to aid in the public health risk assessment associated with land application of wastewater matrices. Furthermore, the method can be adapted to detect other helminth ova of interest from wastewater matrices.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-02-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S10389-023-01841-4
Abstract: Maternal and family patterns are changing, and these changes can influence birthweight. Past research and organisational reports focus on short temporal timelines or broad trends, but trends across a longer temporal period are important. The aim of this study is to assess the trends in birthweight and maternal characteristics across a 19-year period using descriptive statistics. Birth records ( n = 1,166,055) were obtained for a 19-year period (2000–2019) and a descriptive secular trend analysis was performed. Mean birthweight trended down across the study period, while rates of large for gestational age births increased. This appears to be driven by a decrease in gestational age across the period. Maternal factors, such as smoking, BMI and Indigenous status, were found to be linked with changes in mean birthweight and the proportion of small for gestational age or large for gestational age. More babies were born to older women by the end of the study period. There was a sharp rise in gestational diabetes, and more large for gestational age births to these women. Over time, the large for gestational age births started to decline, suggesting better care practices for women with gestational diabetes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-08-2010
Abstract: Lack of access to safe water remains a significant risk factor for poor health in developing countries. There has been little research into the health effects of frequently carrying containers of water. The aims of this study were to better understand how domestic water carrying is performed, identify potential health risk factors and gain insight into the possible health effects of the task. Mixed methods of data collection from six were used to explore water carrying performed by people in six rural villages of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and through observation and measurement. Linear regression modelling were used to identify significant correlations between potential risk factors and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) or self reported pain. Independent t-tests were used to compare the mean values of potential risk factors and RPE between sub-groups reporting pain and those not reporting pain. Water carrying was mainly performed by women or children carrying containers on their head (mean container weight 19.5 kg) over a mean distance of 337 m. The prevalence of spinal (neck or back) pain was 69% and back pain was 38%. Of participants who carried water by head loading, the distance walked by those who reported spinal pain was significantly less than those who did not (173 m 95%CI 2-343 p = 0.048). For head loaders reporting head or neck pain compared to those who did not, the differences in weight of water carried (4.6 kg 95%CI -9.7-0.5 p = 0.069) and RPE (2.5 95%CI -5.1-0.1 p = 0.051) were borderline statistically significant. For head loaders, RPE was significantly correlated with container weight (r = 0.52 p = 0.011) and incline (r = 0.459 p = 0.018) Typical water carrying methods impose physical loading with potential to produce musculoskeletal disorders and related disability. This exploratory study is limited by a small s le size and future research should aim to better understand the type and strength of association between water carrying and health, particularly musculoskeletal disorders. However, these preliminary findings suggest that efforts should be directed toward eliminating the need for water carrying, or where it must continue, identifying and reducing risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and physical injury.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2018.02.040
Abstract: In recent years, the production and usage volumes of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) has increased substantially. Certain OPFRs are suspected reproductive toxins, carcinogenic, and neurotoxic. Insufficient information is available on human exposure pathways to these chemicals, particularly in Australia. We aim to assess the association between OPFR concentrations in the urine of children to environmental and behavioural risk factors. Concentrations of eight OPFRs and eleven metabolites were measured in the urine of 51 children, aged 3-29 months, in Southeast Queensland, Australia and compared to their behavioural and environmental risk factor data obtained by an online questionnaire. Of the 11 OPFR metabolites analysed, 55% were frequently detected in the majority (> 80%) of s les. The most frequently detected metabolite was bis(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) (detected in 100% of s les), followed by 1-hydroxy-2-propyl bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPHIPP) (96%), diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) (94%) and bis(1-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (BCIPP) (86%). In multivariable modelling, age was positively associated with concentrations of bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP) and negatively associated with concentrations of BCIPP and BCIPHIPP. Other non-age related factors, including vacuuming frequency, hand-washing frequency and presence and number of some electrical appliances in the home were also associated with concentrations of OPFR metabolites.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 05-05-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0267344
Abstract: Household food insecurity and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) contribute to ill health. However, the interactions between household food insecurity, WASH and health have been rarely assessed concurrently. This study investigated compounded impacts of household food insecurity and WASH on self-reported physical and mental health of adults in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. This cross-sectional survey interviewed 552 households in one northern and one southern province of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The survey incorporated previously validated tools such as the Short Form 12-item Health Survey, Household Food Insecurity Assessment Scale, and the Access and Behavioural Outcome Indicators for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. Physical and mental health were quantified using the physical health composite score (PCS) and mental health composite score (MCS), respectively. These measures were the dependent variables of interest for this study. Statistical analysis revealed that household food insecurity and using litres of water per person per day (pppd) were independently associated with lower PCS (p .05), after adjusting for socio-economic confounders. Household food insecurity and lack of food availability, using litres of water pppd, and the use of untreated drinking water were associated with lower MCS (p .05), with water usage being an effect modifier of the relationship between household food insecurity and MCS. The results indicate that being food insecure and having limited potable quality water had a compounding effect on MCS, compared to being in idually either food insecure or having limited water. This study is one of only a few that have established a link between potable water availability, food insecurity and poorer physical and mental health. The results also indicate a need to validate national data with fine-scale investigations in less populous regions to evaluate national initiatives with local populations that may be at higher risk. Adopting joint dual-action policies for interventions that simultaneously address water and food insecurity should result in larger improvements in health, particularly mental health, compared to targeting either food or water insecurity in isolation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-06-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-017-9497-0
Abstract: Aquatic environments are now recognized secondary habitat of potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli. In this study, PCR-based analyses were used to determine the phylogenetic composition and frequency of occurrence of eight clinically significant virulence genes (VGs) in E. coli isolates from sub-tropical Brisbane and cool temperate Tasmania freshwater in Australia. In Brisbane, non-commensal E. coli isolates belonging to the B2 and D phylogenetic group were dominant (72%). A significantly higher number (P < 0.05) of E. coli carrying VGs were detected in the sub-tropical freshwaters compared to the cool temperate water. Furthermore, diarrheagenic pathotype (EHEC) was also observed in the sub-tropical freshwater. The genes east1 and eaeA were significantly more common (P < 0.00001) than other VGs. The eaeA gene which codes for intimin protein along with toxin genes east1, stx
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
Abstract: Data from the Queensland Poisons Information Centre (QPIC) was assessed to determine mechanisms of acute insecticide poisoning in young children (<5 years) and whether age affects insecticide-poisoning patterns. Records of all insecticide-related calls placed to QPIC in 2014 were obtained. A stratified analysis of call patterns by age was conducted. Of 743 insecticide-related calls received by QPIC 364 (49.0%) were for young children. The number of calls peaked in children aged one. Ant and cockroach baits accounted for 39.0% of calls. Sprays, which were found to contain not only pyrethroids, pyrethrins and/or piperonly butoxide but also the organophosphate diazinon, accounted for 25.8% of calls. Mouthing or ingesting a pest-control product and consuming an item/insect after treatment were common mechanisms for children under the age of two. Topical exposure to sprays, via direct application, typically by the child or an older sibling, peaked in children aged two. In 12.3% of calls medical attention for the child was already sought or advised by QPIC. Normal behaviours associated with child development, particularly mouthing behaviours, explained the peak of exposure in one-year-olds. This finding should guide strategies to minimise poisonings in this vulnerable population.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JES.2016.10.019
Abstract: A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was used to quantify Ancylostoma caninum ova in wastewater and sludge s les. We estimated the average gene copy numbers for a single ovum using a mixed population of ova. The average gene copy numbers derived from the mixed population were used to estimate numbers of hookworm ova in A. caninum seeded and unseeded wastewater and sludge s les. The newly developed qPCR assay estimated an average of 3.7×10
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-06-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-016-7039-9
Abstract: In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of propidium monoazide quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PMA-qPCR) to differentiate between viable and non-viable Ancylostoma caninum ova. The newly developed method was validated using raw wastewater seeded with known numbers of A. caninum ova. Results of this study confirmed that PMA-qPCR has resulted in average of 88 % reduction (P < 0.05) in gene copy numbers for 50 % viable +50 % non-viable when compared with 100 % viable ova. A reduction of 100 % in gene copies was observed for 100 % non-viable ova when compared with 100 % viable ova. Similar reductions (79-80 %) in gene copies were observed for A. caninum ova-seeded raw wastewater s les (n = 18) collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) A and B. The newly developed PMA-qPCR method was applied to determine the viable ova of different helminths (A. caninum, A. duodenale, Necator americanus and Ascaris lumbricoides) in raw wastewater, human fecal and soil s les. None of the unseeded wastewater s les were positive for the above-mentioned helminths. N. americanus and A. lumbricoides ova were found in unseeded human fecal and soil s les. For the unseeded human fecal s les (1 g), an average gene copy concentration obtained from qPCR and PMA-qPCR was found to be similar (6.8 × 10(5) ± 6.4 × 10(5) and 6.3 × 10(5) ± 4.7 × 10(5)) indicating the presence of viable N. americanus ova. Among the 24 unseeded soil s les tested, only one was positive for A. lumbricoides. The mean gene copy concentration in the positively identified soil s le was 1.0 × 10(5) ± 1.5 × 10(4) (determined by qPCR) compared to 4.9 × 10(4) ± 3.7 × 10(3) (determined by PMA-qPCR). The newly developed PMA-qPCR methods were able to detect viable helminth ova from wastewater and soil s les and could be adapted for health risk assessment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2017.07.022
Abstract: The aim of our study was to investigate children's exposure to the flame retardants polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) by analysing faecal content, a non-invasive matrix, as well as responses to an exposure-assessment questionnaire. A convenience s le of 61 parents with children (aged >3 months to 80% s les above the limit of detection (LOD). BDE-47 (0.23ng/g dw) and BDE-153 (0.03ng/g dw) were each detected above the LOD in approximately 60% of s les. Age was associated with BDE-47 (-7%/month) and BDE-153 (-12%/month) concentrations in faeces, but not BDE-209. Other variables associated with PBDE concentrations included features of the home (carpet, pets) and behaviour (hand-to-mouth, removing shoes, using a car sunshade, frequency of walks outdoors). However, given the small s le size of this study additional research is required to confirm these findings. In this study we demonstrated that faeces may be a viable alternative to monitor human exposure to PBDEs, but further validation studies are required.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.05.104
Abstract: For many decades, populations in rural and remote developing regions will be unable to access centralised piped potable water supplies, and indeed, decentralised options may be more sustainable. Accordingly, improved household point-of-use (POU) disinfection technologies are urgently needed. Compared to alternatives, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection is very attractive because of its efficacy against all pathogen groups and minimal operational consumables. Though mercury arc l technology is very efficient, it requires frequent l replacement, involves a toxic heavy metal, and their quartz envelopes and sleeves are expensive, fragile and require regular cleaning. An emerging alternative is semiconductor-based units where UV light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) are powered by photovoltaics (PV). Our review charts the development of these two technologies, their current status, and challenges to their integration and POU application. It explores the themes of UV-C-LEDs, non-UV-C LED technology (e.g. UV-A, visible light, Advanced Oxidation), PV power supplies, PV/LED integration and POU suitability. While UV-C LED technology should mature in the next 10 years, research is also needed to address other unresolved barriers to in situ application as well as emerging research opportunities especially UV-A, photocatalyst hotosensitiser use and pulsed emission options.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.EXPPARA.2015.09.002
Abstract: Hookworm infection contributes around 700 million infections worldwide especially in developing nations due to increased use of wastewater for crop production. The effective recovery of hookworm ova from wastewater matrices is difficult due to their low concentrations and heterogeneous distribution. In this study, we compared the recovery rates of (i) four rapid hookworm ova concentration methods from municipal wastewater, and (ii) two concentration methods from sludge s les. Ancylostoma caninum ova were used as surrogate for human hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). Known concentration of A. caninum hookworm ova were seeded into wastewater (treated and raw) and sludge s les collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Brisbane and Perth, Australia. The A. caninum ova were concentrated from treated and raw wastewater s les using centrifugation (Method A), hollow fiber ultrafiltration (HFUF) (Method B), filtration (Method C) and flotation (Method D) methods. For sludge s les, flotation (Method E) and direct DNA extraction (Method F) methods were used. Among the four methods tested, filtration (Method C) method was able to recover higher concentrations of A. caninum ova consistently from treated wastewater (39-50%) and raw wastewater (7.1-12%) s les collected from both WWTPs. The remaining methods (Methods A, B and D) yielded variable recovery rate ranging from 0.2 to 40% for treated and raw wastewater s les. The recovery rates for sludge s les were poor (0.02-4.7), although, Method F (direct DNA extraction) provided 1-2 orders of magnitude higher recovery rate than Method E (flotation). Based on our results it can be concluded that the recovery rates of hookworm ova from wastewater matrices, especially sludge s les, can be poor and highly variable. Therefore, choice of concentration method is vital for the sensitive detection of hookworm ova in wastewater matrices.
Publisher: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.
Date: 17-06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.AOGH.2016.01.010
Abstract: We reviewed from literature the feasibility of medication use as an indicator of health outcomes in environmentally stressed areas, especially where a paucity of typical epidemiological and other risk-based data are encountered. The majority of studies reported were about medication use as an indicator of adverse respiratory effects from air pollution in developed countries. Studies to a lesser extent pointed to medication use as indicator of health outcomes associated with other environmental health stressors such as water, noise pollution, and habitat conditions. The relationship between environmental stressors and medication use strongly suggests that medication use could be used to measure the impact of environmental stressors that otherwise could not be measured by epidemiological or other impact assessment studies, typically in settings where morbidity and mortality data might not be not accessible.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2214.2010.01098.X
Abstract: Nearly 50% of South African children lack access to clean safe water and many regularly carry water loads. The health effects of carrying water have not been well researched or considered when estimating the burden of disease due to suboptimal water supply. Improved access to safe water has potential to create important health and economic benefits, by reducing childhood exposure to risk factors for injury or disease. The aim of this study was to identify which domains of health children perceive as affected by water carrying. Qualitative research was used within a broader mixed methods design to investigate children's perceptions about health and water carrying in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative data from eight semi-structured interviews and three 'natural group meetings', involving a s le of 30 children, were analysed using the framework approach of Ritchie and Spencer. The results were mapped to the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). Children broadly conceptualize and describe health to include the functions they perform and activities in which they participate. They perceived water carrying as impacting upon health in various ways, for ex le to make life better by facilitating water usage, or to make life worse through accidents and pain. Children's accounts demonstrate that they can identify and explain complex interactions between activities, participation and health. The ICF framework facilitates the communication of children's perceptions of health and of relationships between health and water carrying. The model thus derived from their views incorporates not only commonly accepted conceptualizations of health condition, body structure and physiological function, but also of functioning through activities and social participation. Children's accounts suggest a possible association between water carrying and symptoms typical of musculoskeletal disorders. However, further research into the strength of association between water carrying and musculoskeletal disorders is needed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-07-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-07-2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-06-2022
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 11-10-2019
Abstract: The potential impacts of coal mining on health have been addressed by the application of impact assessment methodologies that use the results of qualitative and quantitative analyses to support their conclusions and recommendations. Although human epidemiological analyses can provide the most relevant measures of risk of health outcomes in populations exposed to coal mining by-products, this kind of studies are seldom implemented as part of the impact assessment methods. To review the use of human epidemiological analyses in the methods used to assess the impacts of coal mining, a systematic search in the peer review literature was implemented following the PRISMA protocol. A synthesis analysis identified the methods and the measures used in the selected publications to develop a thematic review and discussion. The major methodological approaches to assess the impacts of coal mining are environmental impact assessment (EIA), health impact assessment (HIA), social impact assessment (SIA) and environmental health impact assessment (EHIA). The measures used to assess the impacts of coal mining on health were classified as the estimates from non-human-based studies such as health risk assessment (HRA) and the measures of risk from human epidemiological analyses. The inclusion of human epidemiological estimates of the populations exposed, especially the general populations in the vicinity of the mining activities, is seldom found in impact assessment applications for coal mining. These methods rather incorporate HRA measures or other sources of evidence such as qualitative analyses and surveys. The implementation of impact assessment methods without estimates of the risk of health outcomes relevant to the potentially exposed populations affects their reliability to address the environmental and health impacts of coal mining. This is particularly important for EIA applications because these are incorporated in regulatory frameworks globally. The effective characterization of the impacts of coal mining on health requires quantitative estimates of the risk, including the risk measures from epidemiological analyses of relevant human health data.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/EN14054
Abstract: Environmental context Water associated with coal seam gas is generally of poor quality and thus its management and potential further usage is a subject of concern. In a comprehensive study involving chemical and bioanalytical assessments of coal seam gas associated water, we found that less than 5% of the biological effects could be explained by chemical analysis. The use of bioanalytical tools to complement chemical analysis is recommended for monitoring the quality of water associated with coal seam gas. Abstract A comprehensive study was undertaken involving chemical (inorganic and organic) and bioanalytical assessments of coal seam gas associated water (CSGW) in Queensland, Australia. CSGW is a by-product of the gas extraction process and is generally considered as water of poor quality. CSGW is disposed of by release to surface water, reinjected to groundwater or beneficially reused. In this study, groundwater s les were collected from private wells tapping into the Walloon Coal Measures, the same coal aquifer exploited for coal seam gas production in the Surat Basin. The inorganic characteristics of these water s les were almost identical to the CSGW from the nearby gas field, with high sodium, bicarbonate and chloride concentrations but low calcium, magnesium and negligible sulfate concentrations. As for organic compounds, low levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in the water s les, and neither phenols nor volatile organic compounds were found. Five of the fourteen bioassays tested gave positive responses (arylhydrocarbon-receptor gene activation, estrogenic endocrine activity, oxidative stress response, interference with cytokine production and non-specific toxicity), whereas the other nine assays showed no genotoxicity, protein damage or activation of hormone receptors other than the estrogen receptor. The observed effects were benchmarked against known water sources and were similar to secondary treated wastewater effluent, stormwater and surface water. As mixture toxicity modelling demonstrated, the detected PAHs explained less than 5% of the observed biological effects. These results showed that bioanalytical assessment can open new avenues for research into the potential environmental and health risk from CSGW.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: Ubiquity Press, Ltd.
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.5334/AOGH.2403
Publisher: University of Queensland Library
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.14264/A05C21B
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-05-2017
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 06-03-2017
DOI: 10.2166/WST.2017.142
Abstract: Accurate quantitative measurement of viable hookworm ova from environmental s les is the key to controlling hookworm re-infections in the endemic regions. In this study, the accuracy of three quantitative detection methods [culture-based, vital stain and propidium monoazide-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PMA-qPCR)] was evaluated by enumerating 1,000 ± 50 Ancylostoma caninum ova in the laboratory. The culture-based method was able to quantify an average of 397 ± 59 viable hookworm ova. Similarly, vital stain and PMA-qPCR methods quantified 644 ± 87 and 587 ± 91 viable ova, respectively. The numbers of viable ova estimated by the culture-based method were significantly (P & 0.05) lower than vital stain and PMA-qPCR methods. Therefore, both PMA-qPCR and vital stain methods appear to be suitable for the quantitative detection of viable hookworm ova. However, PMA-qPCR would be preferable over the vital stain method in scenarios where ova speciation is needed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-03-2018
Location: United States of America
Start Date: 03-2012
End Date: 03-2012
Amount: $85,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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