We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Systematic Review of Contaminants of Concern in Uganda: Occurrence, Sources, Potential Risks, and Removal Strategies
Summary
This systematic review looked at pollutants threatening Uganda's environment and public health, including microplastics alongside heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. The study found these contaminants at levels well above safety standards in water sources, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance, hormone disruption, and cancer risk. It highlights how poor wastewater treatment in developing countries can lead to widespread contamination of drinking water.
Contaminants of concern (CoCs) pose significant threats to Uganda’s ecosystems and public health, particularly in the face of rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and intensified agriculture. This systematic review comprehensively analyzed Uganda’s CoC landscape, addressing imminent challenges that endanger the country’s ecosystems and public health. CoCs, originating from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities, encompass a wide range of substances, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, radionuclides, biotoxins, disinfection byproducts, hydrocarbons, and microplastics. This review identified the major drivers of CoC dispersion, particularly wastewater and improper waste disposal practices. From an initial pool of 887 articles collected from reputable databases such as PubMed, African Journal Online (AJOL), Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, 177 pertinent studies were extracted. The literature review pointed to the presence of 57 pharmaceutical residues and personal care products, along with 38 pesticide residues and 12 heavy metals, across various environmental matrices, such as wastewater, groundwater, seawater, rainwater, surface water, drinking water, and pharmaceutical effluents. CoC concentrations displayed significant levels exceeding established regulations, varying based on the specific locations, compounds, and matrices. This review underscores potential ecological and health consequences associated with CoCs, including antibiotic resistance, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenicity. Inefficiencies in traditional wastewater treatment methods, coupled with inadequate sanitation practices in certain areas, exacerbate the contamination of Uganda’s aquatic environments, intensifying environmental and health concerns. To address these challenges, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) emerge as promising and efficient alternatives for CoC degradation and the prevention of environmental pollution. Notably, no prior studies have explored the management and mitigation of these contaminants through AOP application within various aqueous matrices in Uganda. This review emphasizes the necessity of specific regulations, improved data collection, and public awareness campaigns, offering recommendations for advanced wastewater treatment implementation, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and the enforcement of source control measures. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of further research to bridge knowledge gaps and devise effective policies and interventions. Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis equips readers, policymakers, and regulators with vital knowledge for informed decision-making, policy development, and the protection of public health and the environment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Emerging Pollutants in Uganda: A Systematic Review
This systematic review catalogs emerging pollutants in Uganda, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, found across different environmental settings. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth in the country have introduced these contaminants into water and soil, posing growing risks to public health.
Potential of Heavy Metals and Microplastics Contamination in River Mpanga, Fort Portal, Kabarole District, Uganda
Researchers assessed heavy metal and microplastic contamination in the Mpanga River near Fort Portal, Uganda, collecting water and sediment samples from multiple sites. They found measurable levels of both pollutant types, driven by industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization in the catchment area. The study provides important baseline data on emerging contaminant pollution in East African freshwater systems.
Pathways and risks of pesticides, microplastics, and emerging contaminants in Ghanaian drinking water: a systematic review
This systematic review found that pesticides, microplastics, and other contaminants enter Ghana's drinking water through agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and poor disposal practices. The findings show concerning levels of these pollutants in water sources, posing health risks including potential hormonal disruption and long-term toxicity for communities that depend on these water supplies.
Review of emerging contaminants in water: USA and African perspectives
This review examines emerging water contaminants across the United States and Africa, including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. It highlights significant gaps in regulation and monitoring, particularly in African countries where data is limited. The authors recommend a holistic approach combining research, better regulations, and international cooperation to protect water quality and human health globally.
A Review on Pollutants Found in Drinking Water in Sub-Sahara African Rural Communities: Detection and Potential Low-cost Remediation Methods
This review examined drinking water pollutants in sub-Saharan African rural communities, identifying widespread contamination from microplastics, heavy metals, and pathogens, and evaluating low-cost remediation methods suitable for resource-limited settings.