2 research outputs found
Identification of microplastics content in milkfish (Chanos chanos), water and sediment in ponds in Muncung Village, Kronjo District
Get PDFPlastic is a product that is currently popular among people, but over time plastic can be dangerous for the environment. Plastic can degrade into smaller particles known as microplastics. Microplastics in waters can harm aquatic biota such as fish. The size of microplastics is so small that it easily enters the fish\u27s body, settles in the digestive tract and affects the fish\u27s life cycle. Apart from biota, microplastics also pollute water and sediment. The aim of this research is to determine the abundance of microplastics and identify the characteristics of microplastics in milkfish in ponds in Muncung Village. The method used is take fish from ponds at 6 stations along with water and sediment. The fish were dissected and the digestive organs and flesh were removed, while the water and sediment were treated with NaCl. The microplastics found will be tested by FTIR to determine the polymer. The results of the observations showed that there were 3 types of microplastics, namely fragments, fibers and films. The highest abundance in organs was in the intestine, while microplastics were also found in water and sediment. FTIR test results show 6 plastic polymers in milkfish, namely ABS, latex, PVC, PP, EVA and nitrile.
Keywords: Microplastics, milkfish, FTIR, Muncung Villag
Enhancing Survival of Mothers and Their Newborns in Tanzania
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The main purpose of the present studies was to examine the problem of maternal and perinantal mortality in an upcountry region of a low-income country. This was done by estimating the magnitude of maternal and perinatal mortality, both in the hospital and in the community, through elucidating the underlying causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, and by initiating low-cost interventions and monitoring mechanisms in order to enhance the survival of mothers and their newborns, in Kigoma, Tanzania. To utilize all available evidence to register the causes, contributory factors and real magnitude of maternal in a regional hospital as well as to estimate the magnitude of maternal mortality in the community. To formulate low-cost interventions to address the identified contributing factors to maternal mortality and to follow these interventions over time. To perform regular audits of the causes of maternal mortality in order to elucidate avoidance causes. To monitor and adjust the interventions during the study period, while assessing the impact of these interventions. To investigate the suspected causes of obstetric risk knowledge among community members, health workers, and traditional birth attendants. To assess the utilization of the simple “three phases of delay model” in the audit of maternal and perinatal mortality. A retrospective analysis of mortality in the hospital setting utilizing all available evidence was undertaken for three years, 1984-1987. The magnitude, causes and contributory factors to maternal mortality were examined in the in the hospital setting. This led to the formulation of 22 specific, low –cost interventions, which utilized local resources. These interventions were followed-up for a period of 7years. Monitoring was conducted through monthly audit-oriented meetings. Maternal mortality in the in the community being served by the hospital was assessed utilizing the “sisterhood method”, followed by an assessment of perceptions of obstetric risk among community members, health workers and peripheral staff in order to evaluate factors contributing to futher non-reduction of maternal mortality in the hospital. Finally an assessment utilizing the three phases of delay methodology was conducted focusing on the reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality. There was gross underreporting of martenal death in the official statistics (849 against 350 per 100,000 live births, respectively). Major causes were haemorrhage , obstracted labour , infections and rupture of the uterus. Several other associated factors comprised lack of equipment, drug/blood and issues concerning staff and community distrust of the obstetric unit. The application of the 22 specific interventions saw a progressive reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (from 849 to 275 per 100,000 live birth) after the 7-year period (p<0.001). This was despite an increase in the number admissions to the unit (3,000 to 4,296 respectively). Also the fatality rate for the major causes of death was reduced from 9.2 to 3.1%. However, The community assessment undertaken in 2001 revealed the actual MMR at that time to be 447 (urban) and (rural) per 100,000. The result of the assessment in perceptions of obstetric risk revealed low knowledge among the community, staff and traditional birth attendants and that there was distrust in the health system. A final audit using the “ three phases of delay methodology” revealed that the major causes of perinatal and maternal deaths occurred in the health system. Maternal and perinatal mortality can be reduced through low-cost interventions available in most low-resource settings. Regular audit of maternal and perinatal deaths can be undertaken in the these settings. Low-cost methodology. T o be of value audits must be sustained and used as monitoring mechanisms for service delivery improvements and as managerial tools to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths the “three phases of delay model” is a simple and user-friendly method for the audit of both perinatal and maternal deaths. \u
