Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
Volume 22, Issue 8, 2016, Pages 568-578

Drinking water system treatment and contamination in shatila refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon [Traitement et contamination des systèmes d’eau potable dans le camp de réfugiés de Chatila à Beyrouth, au Liban] (Article) (Open Access)

Khoury S. , Graczyk T. , Burnham G. , Jurdi M. , Goldman L.R.*
  • a Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, United States, US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Children’s Health Protection, Washington, United States
  • b Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, United States
  • c Department of International Health, Baltimore, United States
  • d American University, Beirut, Lebanon
  • e George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Washington, DC, United States

Abstract

Drinking water at Shatila Palestinian Refugee Camp in Beirut, Lebanon is of poor quality and unpredictably intermittent quantity. We aimed to characterize drinking water sources and contamination at Shatila and determine how drinking water can be managed to reduce community health burdens. We interviewed the Popular Committee, well owners, water vendors, water shopkeepers and preschool administrators about drinking water sources, treatment methods and the population served. Water samples from the sources and intermediaries were analysed for thermotolerant faecal coliforms (FCs), Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum and microsporidia, using immunofluorescent antibody detection for G. lamblia and C. parvum, and chromotrope-2 stain for microsporidia. All drinking water sources were contaminated with FCs and parasites. FC counts (cfu/mL) were as follows: wells (35-300), water vendors (2-178), shops (30-300) and preschools (230-300). Responsible factors identified included: unskilled operators; improper maintenance of wells and equipment; lack of proper water storage and handling; and misperception of water quality. These factors must be addressed to improve water quality at Shatila and other refugee camps. © 2016, World Health Organization. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

parasitology Giardia intestinalis cell viability assay fluorescence in situ hybridization Microsporidia well water refugee fluorescein isothiocyanate Water Purification membrane filter Water Wells immunofluorescence test Cryptosporidium parvum Refugees water management nonhuman water contamination interview Lebanon water pollution monoclonal antibody Interviews as Topic prevention and control standards Article water treatment Drinking Water Water quality
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84994583494&doi=10.26719%2f2016.22.8.568&partnerID=40&md5=45c197173d379fd1c982901c57bdd820
DOI: 10.26719/2016.22.8.568
ISSN: 10203397
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English