Environmental Science

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Effects of Noise Pollution On Arterial Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate and Hearing Threshold in School Children
(2000) Hasan Rashid Abdel-Raziq; Prof. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Dr. Issam Rashid Abdel-Raziq
This study reports the association of noise pollution level with blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), pulse rate and hearing threshold in school children. The schools were selected randomly as to represent quiet (Seida village, 77.8 - 85.2 dB(A)), noisy (Nablus city, 92.2 — 96.1 dB(A)), and very noisy, (Tulkarm refugees camp,100.4 — 108 dB(A)) localities. Strong positive correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient) was found between noise pollution level and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and hearing threshold at different frequencies. The mean systolic and diastolic lblood pressure for the two sexes are correlated positively with the noise pollution level (R=0.521 and 0.440, respectively). The hearing threshold levels of different frequencies correlated positively with the noise pollution level (R= 0.114 to 0.267; where p<0.05).
Prevalence of Undetected Tinea Capities in School Children in Nablus Area
(2000) Abed Al-Rahman Mohammed Salameh; Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Yahia R. Faidy
A study of tinea capitis was carried out during October 1998 in 8531 A school children aged 6-14 years (4718 males and 3813 females), attending 12 primary schools located in urban, rural, and refugee camp communities in the l Nablus district in the Palestinian Authority. A total of ~ 1389 of the school children aged 6-12 years (724 males and 665 females) were also surveyed on three occasions at 2-3 months intervals, over a 9-month period (October 1998 - May 1999) using the hair brush technique, for prevalence of asymptomatic tinea capitis carriage. Twenty—three (0.27 %) mycologically proven cases of tinea capitis were detected. The incidence was higher in refugee camp children (0.43 %) than in rural and urban children (0.2 %). Also the incidence was higher in younger children (0.33 %, 22/6760) aged 6-12 years than in older children (0.06 %; 1/1771) aged 12-14 years. Boys were more commonly (0.38 %) affected than girls (0.13 %). The most prevalent etiological agent was the anthropophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton violacem (82.6 % of all — cases) followed by Microsporum canis (zoophilic) (17.4 %). A total of 32 asymptomatic carriers (carriage rate = 0.78 %) were detected. The highest carriage rate was found in refugee camp school children (1.52 %) followed by rural (0.7 %) and urban (0.54 %) children. Carriage rate was higher in winter ranging from 1.02 - 3.01 % in the different communities, than in spring (0.3 - 1.5 %) and autumn (0 - 0.24 %). Six dermatophytes species were isolated from asymptomatic carriers. The most prevalent species recovered was M. canis (65.6 %; 21/32), followed by T.tonsurans (12.5 %; 4/32), M. nanum (9.4 %; 3/32), T. violaceum (6.3 %; 2/32), and T. concentricum and Epidermophyton floccosum (3.1 % each; 1/32). Carriage rate was higher in male children (1.02 %; 22/2165) than in females (0.51 %; 10/1954). Also, carriage rate was higher in younger children <; 10 years old (0.9 %; 24/2762) than in older children > 10 years old (0.6 %; 8l1357). Results on spore load distribution in asymptomatic carriers showed that 96.9 % (31 out of 32) had a spore load of 1-10 colonies per carrier, and c/nly 3.1 % (1 out of 32) of carriers had a spore load of > 10 colonies per carrier. Weak correlation was found in both asymptomatic carriers and index dases between spore load of dermatophytes and non- der1natophytes. However, liercentages of children with spore load of > 10 spores / carrier of both dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes were higher in index cases (4.3 % and 17.4%, respectively) than for those in asymptomatic carriers (3.1% and 3.1%, respectively). Hair and scalp mycobiota of~ 1389 clinically normal children aged 6-12 years attending 12 schools in the Nablus District, Palestinian Authority, was assessed on three occasions over 9-month period (October 1998 - May 1999) using the hair brush technique. One hundred and one fungal species belonging to 33 genera were 3 recovered: 6 dermatophytes, 16 dermatophyte-related keratinophilic fungi, and 79 other keratinophilic fungal species. Species varied considerably in l their frequency of occurrence and abundance based on their relative l importance values (RIVs). The most frequent and abundant species were: Cladosporium cladosporioidcs, Cl. herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus flavus. Microsporum canis, Aphanoascus fulvescence and Chrysosporum sulfureum were the most frequent and abundant species of all dermatophytes and dermatophyte-related keratinophilic fungi recovered. The most frequent and abundant dermatophytes in different communities were M canis in rural (RIV 0.87) and urban children (0.45), and 7 and Trichophytpn violaceum (1.41) in refugee camp children. Chrysosporium species were the most frequent and abundant dermatophyte-related keratinophilic fungus in children from all localities followed by Aphanoascus fulvescence. Comparable results on the frequency and abundance of human hair and scalp mycobiota component fungi were obtained based on age group and sex of children. Higher number of species was recovered in spring months (73 species) than in autumn (57) and winter (44) months. Similar occurrence pattern was if also noted for dermatophyte-related keratinophilic species and dermatophytes. Higher percentages of children with moderate (l l-50) and heavy (> 50) l spore loads (7.54 and 0.73, respectively) were found in urban school children community than in rural and refugee camp school children (4.7 and 0.l, respectively) (p > 0.05). Also significantly higher light (1-10) spore load percentages were found in rural (63.67) and refugee camp (62.9) than in urban children (52.6) (p > 0.05). Of all localities, school children with light spore load comprised the highest percentage of the children examined (37.4), followed by moderate‘(6.l3), and heavy (0.4l) spore load categories (F= 4.51, df= 2, 33, p= 0.02). However, children with undetected spore load comprised 36.05 % of all children. Spore load distribution did not show clear seasonal variations in the study period. Significantly higher percentage of moderate and heavy spore load was found in male children (8.72 and 0.69, respectively) than in female children (3.4 and 0.], respectively). However, higher percentages of undetected (38.3) or light spore loads (58.4) were found in females than in males (34.04 and 56.53, respectively). Spore load distribution in both male and female school children did not show clear seasonal variation.
Effects of Irrigation With Saline Water On The Growth and Yield of Cherry Tomato
(2000) Buthaina Abd-Alaha Mahmoud Khader; Dr. Marwan Haddad
In l998/l999 season, cherry tomato plants were grown under plastic house conditions in pots. The experiment was conducted at An- Najah National University / Faculty of Agriculture — Tulkarem Campus, to study the effects of irrigation with saline water on cherry tomato yield and fruit quality parameters. Different levels of salinity were used to study the effect of salinity on cherry tomatoes. As these plants grown in pots, additions of salts were expressed in terms of weight of salt added in term of weight of salt added per unit weight of dry soil (0,1,3,6and 8 gm of salt per kg soil). The effects of irrigation levels also used (low, medium, high levels), in addition to the effect of three type soils also studied. The effect of fertilizers amount were studied by using different doses of N-P-K, and the effect of mulch cover also studied to study effect of mulch cover on plant tolerance to salinity. **It was found that: • As the salinity increased the yield and the vegetative growth in the different treatments were reduced but the amount of reduction differ between different treatments. • Were it was found that with mulch cover and clay soil, regular fertilizers Nl-Pl—Kl, and medium irrigation level the reduction in the yield as the salinity increase was less among other treatments (the threshold value (α = 4.5 and the slope b = 0.0584). • With increasing the amount of Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers the reduction of the yield as the salinity increase were reduced. • For the quality parameters it is found that as the salinity increase many quality parameters increase as TSS, reducing sugar, vitamin C, and V titrable acid. • As the plant stress increases these Quality parameters were better as the salinity increase and the irrigation level was reduced as in the sandy soil. • The PH didn’t differ with the different treatments.
Role of Plant Growth Regulators in The interaction Between Phytopathogenicity of Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum and Their Host Plants
(2000) Mohammed Ibraheem Al-Masri; Prof. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Dr. Radwan Barakat
The effect of synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was investigated in vitro and in vivo, on plants. The results showed that naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) has a potential to inhibit fungus in vitro and in vivo. It reduced white mold disease severity on bean and cucumber plants at concentrations up to 500, u.g/ml active ingredient. Ethephon and gibberellic acid (GA3) promoted both mycelium growth rate and white mold disease severity on plants at concentrations up to 400 /seg/ml. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and absiscic acid (ABA) decreased mycelium growth of the fungus in vitro. MeJA decreased bean and cucumber white mold disease at concentrations up to 250 /4,g/ml. ABA increased disease development on bean and cucumber plants at concentrations up to 300 /Lg/Hll. Aminoethoxvinyleglycine (AVG) used as an ethylene-inhibitor agent significantly inhibited white mold lesions development in vivo and decreased white mold disease severity on bean and cucumber plants at concentrations up to 300 /,Lg/ml. Ethylene was produced by the fungus S. sclerotiorum when grown on shaking PDB medium amended with 10 mM methionine at a rate of 400 M1/g/h.
Bacterial Quality of Drinking-Water in Rainfed Cisterns and Roof Storage Tanks in Beit Leed and Safarine Villages
(2000) Sameeh Musa Hassan Othman; Dr. Suleiman Al- Khalil
Three hundred drinking water samples were collected from two storage systems (cisterns and roof storage tanks), 150 sample from each. The samples were collected during the summer season from June to October 1999 from two villages (Beit Leed and Safarine) in the district of Tulkarm. Average counts for both total coliform and the rmotolerent coliform E. coli were used as indicators for water quality based on membrane filtration technique. Both indicators gave average counts higher than that recommended as safe drinking water by the WHO. Total coliform counts were 16.1 and 12 CFU/100ml water in cisterns and roof storage tanks respectively, while average counts of thermotolerent coliform E. coli were 7.0 and.5.4 CFU/100 ml water for cisterns and roof storage tanks respectively. Roof storage tanks showed lower average counts for both indicators. A comparison between old style and forced concrete cisterns showed a significant difference in favor of rain forced concrete cisterns using both indicators. Average counts for total coliform and the rmotolerent coliform E. coli in old style cisterns were 17.6 and 7.9 CFU/100ml water respectively, while in forced concrete cisterns were 8.7 and 3.1 CFU/100ml water respectively. Based on the average counts for both indicators no significant variations were observed on the quality of drinking water in the studied villages. Variations in both average counts for both indicators were with significant values with respect to different selected regions especially for Beit Leed center. The degree of contamination based on total coliform counts in both storage systems were similar and the majority were with first degree of contamination according to the WHO classification. Based; on the rmotolerent coliform E. coli with respect to the risk levels, both storage systems were within low and intermediate risk levels according to WHO classification. A noticeable decrease in both indicators is clear up to a distance of 22 meter and above between cesspits and cisterns, however, variations up to 28 meters were of no significant values according to our findings with respect to total coliform count and the rmotolerent coliform E. coli. Neither cesspits’ levels nor animal razing seems to have further effect on the contamination and risk levels compared to the findings on households with no histories with animal razing or having cesspits within the same level or uphill to cisterns. Our findings regard cisterns age indicate a significant increase in both indicators reflecting an increase degree of contamination and risk levels with increased cisterns age. Average counts of total coliform were 7.6 CFU/100ml water for age group greater than 0 to 9 compared to 57 CFU/100ml water for age group more than 90 years, however, the rmotolerent coliform E. coli counts were 7.9 CFU/l0Oml water for age group greater than 0 to 9 compared to 3l CFU/100ml water for age groups more than 90.
Breast Cancer Status in The Northern Part of West Bank
(2000) Ahmad Z. Haj-Qasem; Suleiman Al-Khalil
The current study is an explorative and descriptive in nature. It aimed to study the status of breast cancer in northern part of the West Bank and compare it with the other parts of the area. We also aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with the disease incidence. Previous studies on breast cancer in Palestine, Jordan and Israel were revised. The study also included all affected women (80) enrolled at Al-Watani cancer center in northern part of West Bank at the city of Nablus. The affected women were interviewed and their medical tiles were studied. Our findings indicate rapid increase in breast cancer incidence in West Bank in comparison with the situation among Israeli women, although the disease incidence among Jewish females is the highest. There is a geographical variation in the incidence of the disease in West Bank. These variations seem to be due to life style, socio-economical and health awareness of affected women. Our findings strongly indicate the lack of health awareness among females in this respect. Our findings also indicate that lactation, being married and having children especially at early age seems to play a protective role against breast cancer. On the other hand, smoking, oral contraceptive use specially at early age, stress, low fertility, early menarche and family history seem to play a role in the disease etiology and its incidence at early age of breast cancer.
Optimal Nitrogen Fertilization Rates and form for Cucumber in Plastic House
(2000) Alia Othman Fehmi Qanadilo; Dr. Numan Mizyed; Dr. Hasan Abu-Qaoud
A field experiment was carried out during 1999/2000 growing season to determine the relationship between nitrogen and cucumber yield, as well as to optimize the nitrogen quantity and form for cucumber growth under green house conditions. The research included two experiments. In the first experiment, two-cucumber cultivars were planted (Anas and Super) and subjected to three different combinations of four fertilizers (Ammonium sulfate, 20-20-20, .KNO3, Urea). In the second experiment different nitrogen levels (0, 16.43, 30.87, 46.58, and 62.30 Kg N/ dunum) were applied to summer cucumber cultivar IV36. The results of the first experiment indicated that there were no significant differences in yield among different treatments for the first cultivar (Anas), compared to other cultivar (Super) which had significant differences in yield among treatments. The results indicated that the maximum yield (5528 Kg /du) in the second cultivar (Super) was obtained when (KNO}, Urea, 20-20-20) were used. For plant length there were no significant differences among treatments for the two cultivars. Maximum leaf numbers (69.5) were obtained when (Ammonium sulfate, KNO3, 20-20-20) were applied. For the second experiment the highest total yield was 9721 Kg/dunum (du), which was obtained when 30.87 Kg N/du were added. Maximum marketable yield was found when 27.2 Kg N/du was added. The yield at this amount was 7665 Kg/du. Maximum profit was obtained when 22.34 Kg/du of pure N fertilization were added. The nitrogen analysis for both fruits and leaves indicated that the nitrogen content in the fruits was significantly different among treatments, while in leaves there were no significant differences among treatments.
Epidemiological Study of Intestinal Parasites in Pre-School Children in Al-Jiftlik Area - Jordan Valley
(2000) Moamar Ali Orabi; Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Tamer Essawi
An epidemiological study of the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their effect on the hemoglobin level in pre-school children (<6 years old), was carried out during the period December 1998-February 1999 in Al Jiftlik area-Jordan valley. 220 pre-school children were included in the study116 (52.7%) males and 104 (47.3%) females. The findings were discussed in relation to children’s socioeconomic, hygienic background and environmental conditions in the study area. (100) (45.5%) of the pre-school children were infected at least with one type of intestinal parasites. Prevalence rates of encountered parasites in the infected population were as follows Giardia Lamblia 20%, Entamoeba histabwtica 14.5%, double infection (Giardia and Amaeba) 6.4%, Hymenolepis nana 1.8%, Enterabius vermicularis, 1.8% and other types 0.9%. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infection was lower in younger children (< 4years) old (41.2%), than in older children (5-6 years) (54.2%), P<0.05. In the infected cases, males (48) (41.4%) were less affected than females (52) (50%). Higher prevalence rates of parasitic infections among children were also found to be associated with families with lower income (e.g. farmers) or lower education level, than with families with higher income or higher education levels, and families with larger family size. Higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among pre-school children of Al—Jiftlik, may be partly attributed to wastewater irrigation in the study area, and contamination of food, soil and water environment, health conditions and poor infrastructure in this area. High prevalence of anemia (42.26%) was found among children in this study area. However, weak association was found between anemia and the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Further work is therefore, still needed to determine the prevalence of carrier state of intestinal parasitic infection in school children in Palestine and to assess its significance in the spread of infection and identify factors that affect this state.
Optimal Nitrogen Fertilization for Potato and its Potential Effects on Ground Water
(2000) Mohammed Yusuf Ibrahim Abdul Rahim;
This study was conducted in Tubas district, which is considered an important agricultural district especially in irrigated agriculture. The experiment was conducted at an agricultural field located within Wadi Fara’ (Ras El-Fara’) which is an important irrigated agricultural area rich with ground water (Fara basin’) Water is available for irrigation purposes and for domestic use in Tubas and Nablus through a number of natural springs and wells. Potatoes crop was selected for the study, as it is one of the most important irrigated agricultural crops in the area. As a result of excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers for this crop as well as other crops, there is a danger of increasing nitrates concentrations in the wells and springs in the area. To reduce such possible problems, this study was conducted to determine the optimal nitrogen fertilization needed for potatoes. This optimal amount will be recommended to farmers through agricultural extension services. As a result of optimal fertilization, the economic benefits for farmers will improve and will assist in preserving ground water quality especially contamination with nitrates. This research included two experiments. The first was to find optimal nitrogen fertilization for potatoes and the second to determine the optimal type of nitrogen fertilization which gives best profit and minimize nitrates below root zone at the end of growing season (with comparison to its concentration before plantation) was used as indicator of the amount of nitrates leachate in soil which will contaminate ground water. Nitrates were selected as an important pollutant to ground water because of its negative effects on public health especially when its concentration in drinking water is over allowed limits. It is also formed through nitrification when fertilizers are added to any crop. It was found in this experiment that the amount of nitrogen fertilization added to potato affects such as hardness, density, and number of tubers and weight of each tuber. It was found that increasing the amount of nitrogen fertilization increases density, hardness, and number of tubers and weight of each tuber. • Due to the importance of total yield, the relation between total and nitrogen fertilization added was analyzed. It was found that the relation between yield and N - fertilization is a quadratic relation. After analyzing this relation, it was found that the maximum yield for potatoes under the experiment conditions was found when 35 Kg of net N—fertilization were added in the form of ammonium sulfate. Yield at this amount was found to be (4062 Kg / dunum). After analyzing the net profit which farmer gets, it was found that maximum profit will be obtained when (25 Kg / dunum) of net N- fertilization were added in the form of ammonium sulfate (yield will be 4016Kg/ dunum). However, this quantity is highly sensitive to price of potatoes in local markets. • After analyzing nitrate residue in the bottom of the root zone at the end of the season, it was observed that the concentration of nitrates increases significantly when more than 25Kg- N-fertilization were added, therefore, in conditions of light soils overlying ground water aquifers which are close to the surface, the recommended amount of net N-fertilization will be 20Kg/dunum (in form of ammonium sulfate), expected yield will be 3962Kg/dunum. From experiment for the type of N-fertilization, it was found that yield well be less when ammonium sulfate is used compared to other types. Yield was more when urea was used or when ammonium sulfates were mixed with other types such as urea and/or organic acids. (When the same amount of net N- fertilization was used). • It was found that the amount of nitrates left in the soil profile increases when organic acids are added to ammonium sulfate. Therefore, it is recommended to add organic acids to ammonium sulfate during fertilization of potatoes to increase yield and reduce leaching of nitrates.
Chromium Removal and Recovery From Tanneries Effluents
(2000) Abeer Mousa Al-Sous; Dr. Amer M. El-Hamouz
Tanning of leather is a traditional industry in Palestine. It is accompanied by the use of tens of chemicals and consequently by the emission of a number of pollutants. Many pollutants need pretreatment before discharging the effluents in order to meet the discharging requirements. One of the most dangerous tanning pollutants is. The removal and recovery of chromium from the tanning effluents is the main objective of this work. The application of coagulation- precipitation method for the treatment of the chromium in the tanneries effluents was applied in this study. Removal was applied to the effluents of the tanning step in the tanning process (the step to which chromium is added to the hides and skins). Experiments were carried out in Birzeit University/Water Engineering laboratory as well as in one of Hebron Tanneries. Characterization of the tanneries effluents through laboratory analysis were carried out in Birzeit University/Water Engineering Laboratory. Analysis was carried out according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Recovery was carried out in Hebron tannery. Three coagulants were used to examine the efficiency of removal: MgO, Na₂CO₃ and Prestol. MgO showed the best removal efficiency. Experiments showed a 99% removal. The precipitated chromium was then successfully used in the leather tanning and showed a good leather quality as that tanned by fresh chromium.
Impacts of Irrigation With High Heavy Metals Concentration On Soil and Ground Water
(2000) Inaya Mizyad; Dr. Mohammed Al-Subu; Dr. Marwan Haddad
In this study, irrigation with water containing heavy metals (copper, lead and zinc) was simulated for soils from two areas around the city of Nablus; Salim and Deir Sharaf Plans are already made to apply treated wastewater from Nablus municipality to these two areas. As industrial effluents are usually included in wastewater flow to these areas, there is a risk of soil and groundwater pollution by heavy metals in these areas. Soils from these areas were sampled and analyzed to study their chemical and physical properties. Simulation of irrigation with water containing heavy metals was done using soil columns of 2 meters height. The results of chemical and physical analysis of these soils showed that the soils are classified as clay loam with good chemical and physical properties. The salinity of these soils was found to be low, the pH was between 7 and 8, the calcium content was high while the sodicity was low. Soils were found to be calcareous soils. These properties make these soils good agricultural soils and suitable for most agricultural crops. The drainage conditions of these soils were found to be good. Their permeability is good due to their good structure resulting from low sodium and high calcium contents. Simulation of irrigation with water containing heavy metals showed an increase in heavy metals concentrations in soil and in leachate with increasing the addition of heavy metals in irrigation water. Heavy metals concentrations increased with depth and time of application. Although these soils were classified as clay loam, but their self-purification was highly affected by the formation of cracks due to their expansion and shrinkage resulting from wetting and drying patterns. Therefore, especially near the surface of these soils, water flows through these cracks at high rates without giving the soil enough time to exchange many cations with soil solution.
Utilization of Olive Pulp in Broiler Rations
(2000) Eyad Ali Diab Abd El-Ghani; Jamal Abu-Omar; Rateb Aref
This research was conducted to study the effects of olive pulp on the performance, body weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, gastrointestinal tract, visceral organ mass and carcasses of chicks. A total of (260) one day-old chicks were used in this study and were divided into five experimental groups with four replicates in each. Olive pulp was incorporated in four of the experimental groups at rates of (0.0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10%) in both starter and finisher feeds to replace similar rates of com. Chicks were fed these diets during the entire feeding trial which lasted for (35) days. The olive pulp ingredient was obtained by sieving raw olive cake which was bought from local market. Chicks were housed on floor and managed as any regular broiler flock at the experiments farm of the faculty of agriculture. Chicks were weighed weekly basis till the end of the trial. At time of termination of the trial (day 35), four birds of each group were killed following similar routine as in regular slaughter houses. Chicks were eviscerated and total gastrointestinal tract weight and its segments weights were recorded. The weights of visceral organs were recorded too. The hot carcass weights were recorded and then were partitioned for breasts and thighs. The removing of olive pits improved the nutritive of the raw olive calf; which was observed in the general performance of broilers consuming different levels of olive pulp. Weight gain of chicks was the same in all chicks consuming up to (7.5%) of olive pulp. However, weight gain of chicks fed the level of (10%) olive pulp was significantly lower than the control. Similar trends were observed in chicks for feed intake, and feed efficiency. The level of olive pulp had similar effects on visceral organ mass, however, livers from chicks receiving (10%) olive pulp had the heavier weights. Similar trend was observed in the weights of gastrointestinal tract and the tract segments, where the different levels of olive pulp had similar effects except that small intestines of chicks consuming (10%) olive pulp had the heaviest weights. Olive pulp level had no effect on carcass cuts and the dressing percent. The research showed that olive pulp could be considered as potential low cost feed for livestock, especially the broilers. By achieving this, lots of savings could be guaranteed besides solving a pollution problem that may be caused by accumulation of olive residues.
Ecology and Biology of Phlebotomine Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Different Leishmaniasis Foci in The Jenin District, West Bank, Palestine
(2000) Samir Salih Abed El-Rahman Sawalha; Prof. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Dr. Abdul-Jalil S. Hamdan
Leishmaniasis is one of the important health problems in the West Bank, 'Palestine. This study was carried out in the Jenin district, where the most important foci of leishmaniasis in the West Bank during the last decade were occurred. The sandfly fauna of the area is unknown. Light traps, sticky traps, Knock-down and human-landing collection techniques were used to investigate the sandflies of the area and to give baseline guidance on various aspects concerning sandfly ecology to further studies on the sandfly of the district. A total of 4082 sandflies had been collected from different foci of cutaneous (CL) and / or visceral (VL) leishmaniasis during the period from June to December 1998. Thirteen species and seven varieties belonging to seven subgenera of the genus Phlebotomus and Sergentomya had been found in the district. These include P. (Larroussius) peijiliewi transcaucasicus, P. (L.) tobbi, P. (L.) mascittii canaaniticus, P. (L.) mascittii mascittii, P. (L.) major syriacus, P. (Phlebotomus)papatasi, P. (Synphlebotomus) sp., P. (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti sergerzti, P. (Pa.) jacusieli, P. (Adlerius) halepensis, S (Sergentomya) theodori, S (Sergentomya) fallax, S.(Sintonius) tiberiadis, S. (Sintonius) christophersi. In addition to two other subspecies, P. (L.) major major, P. (L.) major neglectus, which require further investigation, were collected. Of the above- mentioned species seven could not be excluded as possible vectors of leishmaniasis,indicating the high risk of infection with leishmaniasis in the district. Phlebotomus papatasi was considered the most probable vector of CL in the area because it had a high density in the surveyed human habitats especially from indoor environment of patients of CL. Moreover it was the main human-biting species found in the area. The most likely vector of VL was P. m. syriacus, as it was found in large numbers in animal shades, and it fed both on human and most probably animals. This is the first time that the subgenus Syriphlebotomus reported from the West Bank and neighboring countries. Among the five species of sandfly collected on human bait, P. papatasi was the most abundant constituted about (90 %) of the sandflies collected, followed by P. major (8 %) while the other three species P. tobbi, P. mascittii, and S theodori, constituted (2 %). Sandfly human-biting activity occurred through the night and it was highest within 3-4 hours after midnight. Two female sandflies, P. papatasi and P. sergenti, were found infested with mites and one female of P. papatasi was found infected with nematodes.- Sandflies species collected in this study were. described and illustrated.
Prevalence and Seasonal Variation of intestinal Parasites Among Primary School Children in Qalqilia District, Palestine
(2000) Zahra Waheeb Abed El-Fatah Khudruj; Prof. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Dr. Yahia R. Faidy
The prevalence and seasonal variations of intestinal parasitic infections were assessed among 1329 (667 males, 662 females) primary school children (6-12 years old) in Qalqilia District, during the period February- November 1999. Parasitologic examinations were performed on collected stool specimens using the (wet mount and Zinc sulfate flotation concentration methods). Data on socio-economic status, personal hygienic habits, sanitary facilities, parents educational levels and awareness about intestinal parasites of surveyed children were collected using a questionnaire. 405(30.5%) of the 1329 stool specimens examined were positive for one or more intestinal parasite; 50.2% of the cases were males and 49.8% were females. Etiological agents of intestinal parasitic infections were found in primary schoolchildren in the surveyed area included; Enterobius vermicularis 11.0%, Entameoba histolytica 7.1% and Giardia Lambilia 6.9% were the most prevalent intestinal parasites detected. The highest prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections occurred in spring (April) (48.l%) and autumn (November) (27.8%). No significance difference in the prevalence rate was found between in the three localities surveyed. However, the highest incidence rate occurred in Azzun 36.0% followed by Qalqilia (30.4%) and Hableh (24.2%). Personal hygienic habits, sanitary facilities conditions, socio- economic status, parents’ educational levels and awareness about intestinal parasites were found to be strongly associated with the intestinal parasitic infections.
Determination of A New Synthetic Pyrido-Pyrimidine by Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry
(2000) Iqab G. Y. Naji; Prof. Ali Zedan; Dr. Raqi Shubietah
Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric (AdCSV) technique was used to determine trace amounts of (7—Bromo-2, 3—tetramethylene pyrido [1,2,a] pyrimidine -4-one), BTP, anew pyrimidine synthetic derivative. This compound is a potential drug which may be used to cure diseases such as cancer. The determination was very sensitive and linearity between peak current and concentration was studied in the range 5x10⁻⁸ to 2x10⁻⁶ M with peak potential at about -0.8V, The detection limit is about 5x10⁻⁸ M after 30 s accumulation time at -0.4V accumulation potential. The measurements have been taken in acetate buffer of pH 4.5 versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The RSD % at 2x10⁻⁷ M level didn't exceed 3.0% (six determinations). The optimum conditions for such determination was investigated and the addition of copper, nickel and some other metal ions did not affect the peak current. A calibration curve was built up at the optimum conditions and the method is useful to determine very low concentrations of this newly synthesized substance.
Isolation of Salmonella and Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 From Fresh Meat of Turkey and Imported Frozen Cattle Meat With Emphasis On Isolation of Salmonella From Poultry Eggs
(2001) Issam M. Al-Karablieh; Dr. Yahia Rashed Faydi; Prof. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh
A total of 290 samples, 150 meat samples and 140 fresh chicken eggs samples were collected randomly from butchers shops in Nablus area in the period from September 2000 to April 2001. The meat samples include 76 fresh turkey meat, 68 frozen cattle meat and 6 frozen sheep meat. The meat samples were assayed and studied for total bacterial count, total coliform count using pour plate technique, and the incidence of Salmonella and E.coli Ol57:H7 in order to assess the role of animal meat as a source of these pathogens. The egg samples were studied for incidence of Salmonella & other enteric bacteria in order to assess the role of chicken egg as a source of Salmonella. Both types of samples were studied using standard enrichment, plating, biochemical and serological techniques. Total bacterial and total coliform count indicate the overall microbial quantity, and hence the quality of meat, This work showed that fresh turkey meat had the highest percentage (57.9%) of unacceptable samples depending on Palestine acceptable microbial standards, followed by frozen cattle meat (29.4%) and frozen. sheep meat (16.7%). All the samples of meat were negative for R.Coli () I57: H7. For the presence of Salmonella, fresh turkey meat showed an incidence of (5.3%), which was higher than that of frozen cattle meat (1.5%), frozen sheep meat (0.0%), and fresh chicken eggs (0.0%). The average total bacterial count for the meat samples was 4.12 x l0⁶ CFU/g, whereas the average total coliform count was 2.4x10⁵ CFU/g. The average total bacterial count for turkey meat samples was 4.1x10⁶ CFU/g, cattle meat samples was 6.46x10⁶ CFU/g, and sheep meat samples was 2.03x10⁶ CFU/g. The average total coliform count for turkey samples meat was 4.24x10⁵ CFU/g, cattle meat samples was 2.55><l05 CFU/g, and sheep meat samples was 0.42x10⁵ CFU/g.
Temporal Dynamics of Phytoplankton in The Coral Reef and Open Water in The Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea
(2001) Abdul Karim M. Farrah; Ziad Abdeen; Ali Z. Abu Zuhri
The major objectives in this study were to quantify the short-term (minutes to weeks) variations of phytoplankton over the coral reef (Reef site) and at a near-by the open-water (Away site ), and to evaluate the roles of currents, behavior and localized predation in the generation of the observed variations. The study was carried out on 10th of October until Zth of Dec 99 in the Gulf of Aqaba (Eilat ) / Red Sea. Phytoplankton are present throughout the lighted regions of all seas, including under ice in polar areas. Because the phytoplankton are the dominant plants in the ocean, their role in the marine food chain is very important. One of the most ubiquitous characteristics of oceanic phytoplankton is its high level of temporal and spatial variations, termed "Patchiness" due to physical and biological parameters. The low-frequency fluctuations (millennia, decadal, seasonal) are fairly well documented, but rapid changes, (The study ) on the scale of minutes to hours, are poorly understood. Possible reasons for high-frequency fluctuations in plankton abundance include, physical advection, localized population growth, interactions with patchy food or predators, and behavior. Water samples were obtained with two large submersible pumps, delivering the pumped water to shore via PVC pipes. Both pumps were deployed at 8 m depth: one at the reef site, 40 m off shore, attached to a tripod with the intake opening suspended 0.75 m above bottom, and the other at the open waters (away site), 163 m off shore, where the pump was attached to a mooring line with its intake positioned 34 m above bottom (42 m depth) . The parameter used to quantified phytoplankton abundance was extracted Chlorophyll this pigment is a good indicator for phytoplankton biomass . Over all the data sampling, the chlorophyll concentration (Away and Reef sites) varied from 135 to 509 ngr L ¹, with an average of 312 and CV of 18.1% (N=532). Phaeopigments (Away and Reef sites ) vary between 13 to 270 ngr L` , with an average of 81 and CV of 32.5% (N=529). . Shorter-term variations in the chlorophyll were much smaller for the hourly samples within single diel cycles, with average CV values 6.9 and 7.6%, for the Away and Reef sites, respectively. Even smaller variations (CV=4.3 and 5.4%, respectively) were found in the series of 15 min sampling in the eight 4 hr long sessions. Chlorophyll concentrations at day time in the (Away and Reef) were much higher than night time with an average of difference (Night minus day). Phaeopigment concentrations Away site at day time were more than Night time , but much less in the Reef site at day time with an average of different ( Night minus Day) . The phytoplankton community was dominated by Synecochoccus,which formed over 97% of the cells counted under the epi-fluorescent microscope. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) was used throughout as our principal parameter of temporal variations in the plankton. Statistical analysis were made using Statistica for Windows (Version 99).
Environmental Impact assessment of Small industries in West Bank With Emphasis on Olive Presses
(2001) Lina Ahmad Al-Sa'd; Dr. Marwan Haddad
The industrial sector in the West Bank consists mainly of small industries. The average annual contribution of the industrial sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the West Bank is about 170 million US $, and the relative share in GDP is about 18.92%. These industries are considered as one of the main contributors to environmental pollution. Both of the liquid and solid industrial waste generation cause great environmental problems in Palestine. The reasons behind their environmental problems are the lack of pretreatment processes at the industrial sites, there is no separation system for collecting or disposing of the industrial waste, and the in existence of proper treatment and disposal for municipal solid and liquid wastes. Olive is considered as one of the important agricultural-industrial crops in Palestine. In 1998 the annual production of olive fruit and olive oil were 63187 tons and 14791 tons respectively. In 1998 season, out of 239 olive presses in the West Bank 218 presses were operating generating about 0.2 million cubic meters of OMW. The main objective of this study was to conduct an environmental assessment of olive presses in the West Bank. As a parallel objective was to conduct two main surveys: (1) an overview of small industries and olive presses in Palestine, and (2) an overview and evaluation of olive mills waste water treatment technologies. To achieve this purpose, 46 questionnaires were tilled from 46 olive mills distributed in various villages and cities in the West Bank. lt was found that the olive mill solid waste was most often taken by villagers for heating. While, the olive mill waste water (OMW) was either disposed to nearby cesspits or land, or to the sewer networks without any prior treatment at source. The characteristics of OMW were experimentally analyzed and compared to Jordanian standards and regulations for the disposal of industrial waste water to the environment and to the sewer system. OMW was found highly polluted and severely exceeding the permissible limits. It was observed from field visits that ventilation, illumination and space are generally sufficient when the season is poor, but are poor in the productive seasons. However, the inevitable noise is a common environmental pollution in all of the olive presses surveyed. It was also observed from field visits that few of the workers wear special customs for work or safety glasses or gloves, still, most of the olive presses contain first aid kits and fire extinguishers and the workers are trained on using them. The poor working environment that was demonstrated above, may have physical and psychological impacts on the workers and on the customers, such as catching contagious diseases, nervousness, etc. OMW treatment methods were also discussed. These methods include direct land application of OMW, composting of OMW using various techniques and bulking agents, Azotobacter and nitrogen fixation in soils, anaerobic digestion, polyphenols and phenols reduction techniques, heavy metals removal, electrolysis treatment systems, biological treatment techniques, decolorization techniques. Other treatment techniques, such as the use of solar collectors and combined treatment with other agricultural wastes were also briefly discussed.
Water-Borne Pathogens With Relation To Gastroenteritis in Salfeet District: An Epidemiological Study
(2001) Adli Bassim Ibraheem Al-Kahah; Yahya R. Faidy; Suleiman Al-Khalil
A total of two hundred drinking water samples were collected randomly from roof storage tanks, during the summer season from June to August 1999. The area of study includes three villages (Bruqin,Farkha, and Kafr ad-Dik) in the district of Salfeet. Both the average total coliform counts and faecal coliform counts were used as indicators for water quality using the membrane filtration technique. Also water sample positive for coliform were further cultured for the isolation of Salmonella, Shigella, and E.c0Ii 0157:H7. Both indicators gave average counts higher than that recommended as safe drinking water by the WHO. The average counts of total coliform (CFU/100ml) in spring water were 15.4, in rainwater 19.4, and zero in water network. The average counts of faecal colifonn (CFU/100ml) in spring water were 9.4, in rainwater ll.4, and zero in the water network. These samples of the water network were free of contamination, while spring water and rainwater samples showed high contamination and Salmonella was isolated from spring water. Based on the average counts for both indicators, no significant variations were observed on the quality of drinking water in the studied villages. The degree of contamination based on total coliform counts in both spring and rain water was similar and the majority were with first degree of contamination according to the WHO classification, while all water network samples were free of contamination, (degree 0). Based on faecal colifomi E.c0Ii with respect to the risk levels, both spring and rain water were within low and intermediate risk levels according to WHO classification. The households with history of animal raising, extemal cistems door, distance of septic tanks from cistems less than 20m, and not cleaned cistems seem to have further effect on the contamination and risk levels compared to findings on households with no history of animal raising, intemal cistern door, distance of septic tank from cistern more than 20m,and cistem cleaning every year. During the period from l4 August to 19 October 1999 about 102 of stool specimens were collected from patients with diarrhea at two Public Medical Units located on Bruqin & Kafr ad-Dik villages. Prevalence rates of encountered parasites were as follows: G. lamblia 10.8%, E. histolytica 17.3%, and H.nana 5%. The findings indicated very weak association between drinking water source and intestinal parasites in this study.
Evaluation of Daily Changes in Air Pollutants Levels On The induction of Respiratory Symptoms in School Children : The Y'abed Charcoal Production Basin
(2001) Yaser Omar Hafeth Kayed; Prof. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh; Dr. Mutasim Baba
The effect of charcoal production in Ya’bad area was studied by evaluation of gasses emitted from the process of carbonization. The study was carried out over 14-month period (May 1998 - August 1999). An ELE 8000/EMS 1417 Environmental Data Logger was used to measure the concentrations of CO, CO2, NO2, SO2 and HZS in three different locations.; These locations are: site A located at about 180 meter to the north east of the kilns, site B about 70 meter forward to the smoke comes out of the kilns in Ya’bad and site C in the site of the kilns. Other physical factors; wind speed, wind direction, temperature and relative humidity were measured by the Logger. The effect of gas production on respiratory symptoms on Ya’bad inhabitants was studied by a 14 questions questionnaire. Primary school children from the fifth grades living in four communities (supposed to be polluted).and in three communities (low polluted) answered the questionnaire. Our study has demonstrated that the concentrations of the gases measured were inversely correlated with distance from charcoal kilns, with the highest levels being encountered in site C (CO average concentration was I0O.S7ppm, NO2 11.7 ppm and SO2 1.75 ppm). In site A gases levels were very low (CO average concentration was 0.19ppm, NO2 0.29 ppm, SO2 O.26ppm, CO2 1.6%, and HZS 0.36ppm). In site B, the levels of gases were also lower than that of site C (CO average concentration was 37.9ppm, NO2 14.9 ppm, SO2 14.7 ppm, CO2 1.98%, and HZS 12.2 ppm). In sites C and B the gases levels exceeded the maximum standards limits and in site A the levels did not exceed the standards. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and F-tests (p< 0.05) showed significant difference in gases levels in the three locations. Our study showed also a considerable effect of charcoal production was significant (using ANOVA and t-tests) between school children close to the kilns and schoolchildren far from the kilns. Moreover, there was significant difference in respiratory symptoms between male and female students in schools closer to the kilns.

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