Department of Biology

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Start date: 2020End date: 2025

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    STUDIES ON THE REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND FEEDING HABITS OF SOME FISH SPECIES AND DETERMINATION OF SOME PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LAKE BOYO, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-06) TAMIRAT HANDAGO SADE
    Lake Boyo is among the few neglected and unexplored small lakes in the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley Region. It is a shallow and turbid lake with surface area of 3.2 square kilometres and surrounded by wetland. Three fish species are known to exist in the lake, namely Nile Tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), the straightfin barb Enteromius paludinosus (Peters 1852) and the lapping minnow Garra quadrimaculata (Rüppell, 1835). Neither fishery activity nor fishery research has ever been conducted so far in Lake Boyo. This research was conducted to provide baseline information on some aspects of the reproductive biology and feeding habits of fish species, and physicochemical characteristics of the lake. All the data for this study were collected and analyzed using standardized methods and sampling techniques. For the analysis of reproductive biology and feeding habits, samples of the three fish species were collected from two sites (littoral and open) of the eastern part of the lake from May 2021 to May, 2022 using gill nets of 6, 8, and 10 cm mesh size and a beach seine of 6 mm mesh size. A total of 379 O. niloticus, 513 E. paludinosus, and 290 G. quadrimaculata samples were examined. The water samples for the analyses of physicochemical parameters were collected from two selected sampling sites (littoral and open water area) in wet months (June to September), and dry months (October to December) of 2022. The three fish species breed throughout the year and showed a bi-modal major and minor breeding period. The first peak breeding months occur from February to March and the second minor peak from July to September for O. niloticus, whereas the main breeding season for E. paludinosus was between October and January with a less pronounced reproductive period between March and April. On the otherhand, the first peak breeding period was from June to September and the second peak from January to February for G. quadrimaculata. The fecundity of O.niloticus ranged XIX from 216 to 1,157 eggs per fish while it ranged from 1,078 to 9,683 eggs per fish for E. paludinosus. The result of length at first maturity (Lm50) depicted that the fishes reached sexual maturity at a smaller size and shows early maturity of all the fish species in the lake. The results of the analysis of sex ratio for the fish species examined showed that the distribution of male and female fishes in the lake was not significantly different from the hypothetical 1:1(Male: Female) ratio for O. niloticus and E. paludinosus (1:0.92, p>0.05 and 1:1.03, p>0.05, respectively), while it was significantly different for G. quadrimaculata (1: 0.73, p<0.05). The results of the length weight relationship (LWR) of the fish species suggested a curvilinear relationship (R2= 0.9911, 0.9812 and 0.9766 for O.niloticus, E. paludinosus and G. quadrimaculata, respectively) and, a positive allometric growth pattern (b= 3.1268 and 3.1042 for O.niloticus, E. paludinosus, respectively) while nearly isometric growth pattern (b= 2.977) for G. quadrimaculata. The result of Fulton`s conditon factor (FCF) for the fish species revealed that O.niloticus and E. paludinosus had moderate body condition (FCF= 1.73 and 1.77 for males and females of O.niloticus, respectively, and 1.21 and 1.27 for males and females of E. paludinosus, respectively), while it was low for G. quadrimaculata (FCF= 0.011 and 0.0112 for males and females, respectively). The feeding habits of the fish species showed that the fishes feed on a variety of food items including detritus, phytoplankton, macrophytes, insects and zooplankton and they are ominivorous in their feeding habits. Detritus was the main food item for the fish species in general. The fishes showed seasonal variations in feeding habits during the dry and wet months. From these results it was concluded that the fishes are omnivorous in Lake Boyo. The results of the physical and chemical features of the lake shows that the lake water was slightly warm, alkaline, contained more TDS and EC, very turbid, low transparency and with relatively high inorganic nutrients (NO3- and PO4 3-) which support most of the aquatic life. Generally, based on XX the results it is concluded that Lake Boyo is a low productive inland freshwater ecosystem in the Ethiopian Rift Valley basin. The high amount of detritus in the stomachs/guts of the fishes and lower condition factor of the fish with reference to other lakes indicate that productivity of Lake Boyo is low. Further research is recommended on macrophyte, phytoplankton and zooplankton composition, biomass and productivity of Lake Boyo.
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    SOLID WASTE COMPOSITION, GENERATION RATE, AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KABRIDEHAR, ETHIOPIA: IMPLICATIONS ON SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-11) MUHUMED MOHAMED IBRAHIM
    Attributable to the population and various activities entailed, Tertiary Educational Institutions (Universities) are one of the large producers of solid wastes, which, if not properly managed, could pose risk to health and the environment. Consequently, information on the solid waste generation and composition is a critical first step towards developing successful and effective planning of solid waste management service and strategies across university campus. This study aimed to assess the solid waste composition, generation rate, and management practices at the University of Kabridahar (UoK). Total population sampling method was employed to include all 28 buildings of the university. All of the waste containers placed at all the buildings consisting of 24 dustbins and 15 dumpsters were the measurement sites. Onsite Segregation and Weighing were used to assess the quantity and characteristics of the solid waste generated at UoK. Conversely, Key Informant Interview and Direct Observation were employed to generate qualitative data. Stratified Random Sampling technique was also used to select 373 respondents for the evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the university's population towards solid waste management (SWM) using a close-ended, self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed in SPSS using frequency, chi-square, and crosstab analysis to describe the data and examine associations between the KAP statements and demographic features. The results revealed that the UoK generated an average of 2172.5 kg/day. The per capita waste was 0.40 kg/day. The major waste sources were cafeteria (48.1%), dormitories (25.1%), academic and research (14.9%), and administrative (8.9%) buildings. The waste is composed of organics (54.5%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (18.8%), paper and cardboards (16.3%), plastics (5.9%), metal (2%), textiles (1.6%), glass (0.5%), medical (0.3%), and miscellaneous (0.1%). From the generated waste, 45.1% were recyclable, 54.5% compostable and 0.4% non recoverable. Despite the implementation of essential SWM practices, there were still instances of improper SWM practices. The survey results revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge (73.5%) and attitude (62.9%) towards SWM, but their practice was only fair (44.8%). The Chi-square test showed statistically significant association between respondents' demographic features and their KAP (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the UoK generated a substantial amount of solid waste that requires further improved management. Suitable solid waste site selection and waste handling training for SWM workers were recommended.
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    ASSESSMENT ON COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND PRACTICES TO INDOOR AIR POLLUTION IN JIMMA TOWN AND SURROUNDING RURAL KEBELES, OROMMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-11) HARUNE ABAFOGI
    Most households in Africa including Ethiopia still use biomass fuel to cooking their food and for heating in poorly ventilated houses. Indoor air pollution (IAP) is the presence of one or more contaminants in the indoor environment that has a degree of human health risk. The main objective of this study was to investigate community perception and level of community awareness towards IAP in Jimma town and surrounding rural kebele. Cross-sectional research design was used to achieve the study. Structured questionnaires, FGD and household observation were used as the data collection tools. Representative samples 360 households were included by systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed by SPSS both bivariate correlation and logistic regression was applied for the statistical test. The results majority of respondents (74.45%) the main source of energy for cooking was fire wood (88.6%) and charcoal (74.4), traditional type of stoves was made of cooking by majority (88.6%), in average (71.9%) respondents were aware of the source of IAP, most of (72.5%)household the two social groups were aware of the route of exposure and effects of IAP, largely (84.4%) respondents knew that exposure to IAP can affect human health and cause diseases, and lastly average (57.9%) of respondents knew that to reduce and prevent IAP. Majority (98.6%) of the respondents thinks that using cooking fuel that emits less smoke could prevent IAP. Other preventive mechanisms reported include: prohibiting cigarette smoking in living houses (98.0%), cooking always outside living houses (94.6%), avoiding living with domestic animals (95.2%) and keeping windows/doors open most of the time (91.2%). The households in this study had (71.9%) good awareness about the source of IAP, adverse health effects of IAP exposure and preventing measures of these adverse health effects, however, (84.4%) majority of them were still living with the risk factors associated with IAP in their daily living. There is need to provide education/awareness creation regarding air quality and its effects on health would be important and this can be implemented through community-based organizations that have wide acceptance in the study communities.
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    HEALTHCARE SOLID WASTE GENERATION AND ITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: THE CASE OF KELLE PRIMARY HOSPITAL, KOORE ZONE, SOUTH ETHIOPIA REGION, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-10) ABREHALIGN ASHENAFI
    Healthcare facilities generate healthcare wastes that can endanger the health of human being and environment. Healthcare Waste refers to waste that is produced during treatment, diagnosis and related activities. It needs special and suitable handling before disposal. This study is aimed to assess the healthcare waste management system in Kelle Primary Hospital, Koore Zone, South Ethiopia region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design involving Direct Observation, Key Informant Interview and weighing scale was used to evaluate the healthcare solid waste management system. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean waste generation rate among wards. The average daily healthcare waste generation rate was determined to be 0.84 kg/bed/day and 0.65 kg/patient/day. Of the total solid waste generated, over half (52.16%) constitutes general waste and the remaining 47.84% was hazardous waste. There were significant variation between different wards regarding GW and HW. Regarding GW (OPD and radiological ward (MD=7.43, P<0.001)) was the highest and regarding HW (Delivery ward and Pharmacy (MD=7.61, P<0.001)) was the highest. Besides, there was limited segregation of healthcare waste by type at the point of generation. Healthcare waste was collected and transported using a cracked sub-standard open plastic bins. Moreover, the brick incinerator performs at low temperature. The average hazardous healthcare waste generation rate is above the threshold value set by WHO, of hazardous HCW generation rate in low-income countries. Therefore, proper application of the principle of waste segregation based on international and national guideline have to be applied in the Hospital.
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    AIR POLLUTANTS IN SCHOOL, URBAN, AND INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS OF HAWASSA CITY, ETHIOPIA: LEVELS AND POSSIBLE HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-06) ABEBECH NUGUSE AMARE
    Air pollution has received enormous attention globally due to its detrimental effects on human health, especially on susceptible populations such as children. However, there is scarce data on concentrations and sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), inorganic gaseous pollutants (NO2, CO, and SO2), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in Ethiopia, particularly Hawassa City. The objective of this PhD work was to determine the indoor and outdoor concentrations of VOCs, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 in schools, urban, and industrial environments in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, and evaluate potential health concerns. VOC samples were taken via the passive sampling method using Tenax TA as a sorbent and analyzed using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GCMS). The concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were measured using a portable gas monitor device (HoldPeak Laser PM meter, HP 5800D). Levels of NO2, CO, and SO2 were measured using the Aeroqual Series 500 Portable Air Quality Monitor (Aeroqual Ltd., New Zealand). Concentrations of 76 VOCs were determined in air samples from the classrooms and playgrounds of eight primary schools in Hawassa. Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 were also measured in the outdoor and indoor environments of ten primary schools in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Additionally, indoor and outdoor concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 were measured in urban and industrial areas of Hawassa City, Ethiopia, in the dry and wet seasons. xxiii The highest total VOCs (TVOCs) concentration (83 μg/m3 ) was observed in a classroom of School 2, followed by a classroom of School 1 (76 μg/m3 ), while the smallest TVOC concentration, 37 μg/m3 , was recorded in the playground of School 8. Among the BTEX, toluene was the most dominant in all samples, ranging from 33% in School 4 to 38% in School 1 of ∑BTEX. The I/O ratios of individual VOC in the schools ranged from 0.44 in School 4 to 9.21 in School 2. The highest cumulative cancer risk (CCR×106 ) and the total hazard ratio indicator (THRI) values were 126 and 1.58E-01, respectively, in a classroom of School 4. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 in the ten primary schools ranged 11–66.3, 30.8–399.7, and 60.5–152 µg/m3 , respectively, and CO and SO2 were not detected in any of the schools. The hazard quotient (HQ) for PM2.5 and PM10 was greater than one in 20% and 50% of the indoor sampling locations, respectively, suggesting moderate risks. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at 40% and 30% of the outdoor sampling sites were unhealthy for sensitive groups due to exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be above the WHO mean guidelines in 55% and 85% of the sampling sites, respectively, indicating poor quality of the air. In the urban and industrial areas, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 were detected during both seasons and at all sampling sites. CO was detected during the wet season but not detected at all during the dry season at any of the sites. SO2 was detected only at one site, S17 (ambient of industry 1), during both studied seasons. During the dry season, the average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 ranged from 8.8–310.7, 20.1–515.8, and 40.0– 123.7 µg/m3 , respectively. In the wet season, the ranges for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO levels were 17.2–117.4, 24.3–167.2, 31.8–111.3, and 77–33312 µg/m3 , respectively. xxiv In both the wet and dry seasons, the hazard quotient for PM2.5 and PM10 was greater than one, suggesting a non-carcinogenic effect. The PM2.5 excess lifetime cancer risk ranged from 0.1 to 0.7, which was greater than the recommended range by the WHO and the US EPA, implying a considerable health risk in urban and industrial areas. The CCR and THRI values indicated that the exposure of children to the measured concentrations of benzene may have potentially harmful effects. Additionally, the AQI, HQ values, and concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 indicated poor air quality in the schools and suggested a significant health risk for all populations around the schools.
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    ASSESSMENT OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN VISITING ASSELA REFERRAL HOSPITAL
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-11) TILAHUN ENDALE
    Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and undernutrition in under-five children are of significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries and contribute significantly to childhood morbidity and disability. Unfortunately, under-five children are more susceptible to infection. However, information is scarce in the study area. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between intestinal parasites and the anthropometric status of outpatients under five children in Assela referral hospital, east Arsi zone, Ethiopia. An institutional-based crosssectional study was conducted at Assela referral hospital from February 15 to March 15, 2024. Stool samples were collected from 227 children and examined using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Children's weight, height, and Z scores were measured using a digital balance scale and a wooden board, with mothers or caregivers deducted from weight. The data were entered into Excel and analyzed using WHO-Anthro Plus software version v3.2.2 and SPSS v24 statistical software, respectively. An AOR analysis was done to test the association between intestinal parasites and nutritional status. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 38 (16.7%), 64 (28.2%), and 59 (26%), respectively. The total prevalence of parasitosis was 19.4% of children infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were E. histolytica (8.4%), E.Vermicularis (4.4%), and Giardia lamblia (3.5%). Residence (P: <0.001), deworming (P: 0.009), toilet (P: 0.034), and others like: fingernail cleanness, water source and parental education levels were the predictor variables for the prevalence of IPIs. Protozoan parasites are the most common cause of disease in under-five children in the area. Public health interventions for intestinal parasitic infections include targeted deworming programs, health education campaigns, sanitation improvements, routine screening, nutritional support, community-based interventions, and comprehensive health policies.
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    TRENDS, PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF MALARIA INFECTION IN DALE DISTRICTS OF SIDAMA REGION, ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) TIGIST YONAS
    Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The bulk of global malaria burden is in Sub Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. Despite global efforts to combat malaria, the disease's prevalence and transmission dynamics vary across regions, influenced by socio-economic, environmental, and climatic factors. This study aims to assess the prevalence, trends, and associated risk factors of malaria infection in the Dale Districts of the Sidama Region, Ethiopia. By examining both previous prevalence data from 2018 to 2022 and assessing active malaria cases in 2023, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of malaria dynamics in the region. Data on malaria trends over five years were obtained from the malaria laboratory registry books of local health facilities. For active malaria cases, a cross-sectional survey was conducted involving adults with febrile symptoms from selected villages. The study employed both microscopic blood analysis and structured questionnaires to assess malaria prevalence and respondents' knowledge of the disease.The finding of this study indicate that, from 2018 to 2022, a total of 129,613 suspected malaria cases were recorded, with 15,030 testing positive, yielding an overall positivity rate of 11.60%. Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant parasite, accounting for 76.80% of cases. Gender analysis revealed higher incidence rates among males (54.76%), while age-specific analysis showed the highest incidence in young adults aged 15-29 years which is (24.76%). Seasonal trends indicated a peak in malaria cases between September and November. Statistical analysis using Negative Binomial regression highlighted significant factors influencing malaria prevalence, including seasonality and age. For the cross sectional study the, prevalence of malaria among 381 respondents, females exhibited higher malaria prevalence (16.38%) compared to males (9.51%). The highest prevalence was observed in individuals over 50 years old (22.00%). Logistic regression identified significant associations with the use of mosquito nets, anti-malaria spraying, and the presence of stagnant water in the surrounding . In the study area both plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax co-exist with the dominance of Plasmodium falciparu, in malaria cases underscores the need for targeted interventions against this species. The findings recommend targeted interventions focusing on high-risk groups, enhanced healthcare access, and community engagements are crucial for effective malaria control in the Dale Districts.
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    The prevalence and associated risk factors of Intestinal Schistosomiasis in school age children at Dura (May Nigus) irrigational dam, Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-10) TEKLAY ABRHA YANSHET
    A water-borne parasitic disease Schistosomiasis, caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma, continues to be a major public health issue in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa, including Northern Ethiopia's Tigray region. This study investigates the prevalence of S. mansoni and associated risk factors in the irrigational dams in Dura (May Nigus). A schoolage child-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Debrebrhan secondary and Dura elementary schools in the central Tigray region. Two hundred four schoolchildren aged from seven to twenty-one years were randomly selected to provide stool specimens for Schistosoma infection examination by Kato-Katz techniques. Of the 204 randomly selected students, 190(93.14%) passed the stool collection for stool specimen examination, and 24 (12.6%) were found positive for Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was significantly associated with (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOD)); for irrigation practice; 13.21, 95% CI (2.35, 74.20); p=0.003, for fetching water 14.52, 95% CI (2.82, 74.7); p=0.001, for washing clothes 6.4, 95% CI, (1.14, 35.4); p=0.035 respectively. Meaning thy are individually associated with S. mansoni presence. According to the retrospective data even-though there is decreasing intestinal case examination in St. Merry Hospital Axum for the past ten years the total prevalence(trend) for Schistosoma mansoni shows increasing from year to year with slight fluctuation in different age groups and genders. The most prevalent were in males among the age 10 to 25 years old. Based on the prevalence result for Schistosoma mansoni, now is the critical time to take controlling measurement and treatment in the community with a full campaign for elimination. A treatment of all school-age children once every two years is recommended with Snail control and non-specific control approaches, including the provision of clean water supply and health education, should also complement to the mass drug administration of praziquantel.
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    HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION AND INSECTICIDE RESISTANT STATUS OF ANOPHELES GAMBIAE (S.L.) IN MALARIA ENDEMIC DISTRICTS OF SIDAMA REGION, SOUTH ETHIOPIA
    (HAWASSA UNIVERSITY, 2024-05) MEDAN TAYE HUSSE
    The prevalence of malaria in Ethiopia has decreased somewhat in recent decades, but it is currently increasing as a result of the introduction of insecticide-resistant Anopheles mosquitoes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the anopheles mosquito's insecticide susceptibility status and habitat characterization in a selected study area at November. Cross sectional study was used to conduct the study. The presence of Anopheles larvae was confirmed in all water-holding habitats, and information about the habitat's perimeter, water depth, light intensity, current flow, temperature, pH, turbidity, and proximity to the closest house was noted. Additionally, information about vegetation coverage, permanence, surface debris, emergent plant, habitats and substrate type of larval holding habitats were recorded for the purpose of characterizing the habitat. Sample of anopheles larvae were taken to Akililu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology from study area in November 2024. The larvae were then reared there, their insecticide susceptibility tested, and their species was identified using the Coetzee 2020 identification key. In order to test for insecticide susceptibility, 100 adult Anopheles mosquitoes were exposed to each insecticide that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended (propoxur 0.1%, deltamethrin 0.05%, and alpha-cypermethrin 0.45%). The knockdown times (KDT), percentage knockdown, and percentage mortalities of the exposed mosquitoes were noted. Anopheles gambiae s.l., the species of mosquito that was identified, was resistant to propoxur (0.1%) and delthametrin (0.05%), but it was completely susceptible to alphacypermethrin (0.45%) across all study sites. In all research sites, alpha-cypermethrin insecticide took less time (18.67-24.23min) to kill 50% of Anopheles gambiae s.l. In every study area, the KDT50 of Anopheles gambiae exposed to propoxur insecticide was high, ranging from 51.95 to 56.25 minutes. Anopheles mosquito species that dominate study area was Anopheles gambiae s.l; it was susceptible to Alpha cypermethrin and resistant to delthametrin and propoxur and it prefer to breed in habitat which exposed to sun light, had stone substrate and had no canopy cover. Anopheles gambiae (s.l) that inhabit Chuko, Dale and Loka Abaya was susceptible to Alphacypermethrin and resistant to Deltamethring & Propoxure. This species was highly productive in habitat like ditches, burrow pits and road puddle which exposed to sun light, without canopy cover and with stony substrate.