Yester Karahagopian

Disinfection of oral rehydration solutions by sunlight.

The use of a salt/sugar oral solution for rehydration in cases of diarrhea is being encouraged by the World Health Organization for developing areas. 1 problem so far with this treatment has been a question as to their safety when prepared with contaminated water or stored in contaminated vessels. An experiment was tried in which the recommended solution was mixed with contaminated water. Some of the containers were exposed to direct sunlight, some kept in the dark, and some stored in normal room conditions. Although the heat in the containers stored in sunlight did not rise significantly, the solutions were found to be purified. It is speculated that the germicidal action resulted from solar radiation near the ultraviolet range. The solution, itself, did not change composition. The microorganisms were not able to regrow within 24 hours after solar irradiation. 50 additional experiments confirmed the findings. It is concluded that this technique of solar irradiation of contaminated solutions will be effective. All types of containers were effective.

Evaluation of water quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir, Lebanon: suitability for multipurpose usage.

The increased demand on water resources in Lebanon as a resultof: progressive urbanization, socio-economic growth, agriculturalactivities and development of industries is, according to the national authorities, a major critical factor by the year 2010.Political difficulties in earlier years imply a dearth of pertinent data. The objective of this study was to evaluate water quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir of the Litani River andassess its feasibility for multi-purpose usage as one of the solutions to the aggravated water problems in Lebanon. Sampleswere collected from 18 sampling sites at several dates duringthe dry season. Parameters analysed were, pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, turbidity, alkalinity, Ca, Mg, TH, Cl-, SO42-, NH3, NO3-,PO43-, Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Cr, Cu and As. The reported data were in compliancewith WHO guidelines, USEPA regulation and EEC directives. Statistical analysis of the data defined three distinct environmental zones and water quality in the central, main zone satisfied most criteria. It is concluded that the reservoir water is fit for multipurpose uses, namely, drinking, domestic,recreational activities, irrigation, fisheries, livestock and industrial, and should be properly managed accordingly.

A prototype study for the management of surface water resources, Lebanon

Lebanon depends primarily, for its water resources on ground water that is deteriorating rapidly. The increased demand on water resources in Lebanon as a result of: progressive urbanization, socio-economic growth, development of agricultural and industrial activities will lead to critical water limitations factor by the year 2010. Consequently, other resources such as the availability of surface water in terms of quality and quantity is of major importance. The political instability in the country limited the development of a comprehensive data-base for surface water. The paper focuses on assessing the water quality of the Qaraaoun reservoir, an impoundment of the river Litani for multipurpose utilization. This would serve as a prototype for the development of comprehensive plans for optimal utilization of surface water sources in Lebanon, as a venue to meet the water needs of Lebanon. The Qaraaoun reservoir, which till now has limited utilization of hydroelectric power and agricultural activities, proved to posses other usage. A master plan for the management of the Qaraaoun reservoir, as a prototype for surface water, should address policy constrains relative to environmental, institutional and financial issues.

Mercury levels in some species of fish from the coast of Lebanon

The muscle tissue of 266 fish caught along the coast of Lebanon from Beirut to Tyre (85 km) were analysed for total mercury content. The mean levels for the 13 species ranged from 0·028 mg/kg of wet tissue for Siganus rivulatus to 0·0.54 mg/kg for Mullus barbatus. Whereas no significant differences (P < 0·05) in mercury levels were noted between species, in most cases a direct relationship was found between the weight or length of fish of the same species and total mercury content. Similarly, there were no significant differences (P < 0·05) between herbivore and carnivore species, nor between resident and migrant ones. All of the values obtained in the present study fall below the widely accepted limit of 0·5mg/kg of edible tissue.

Lead-glazed pottery: a potential health hazard in the Middle East.

Lead-glazed pottery produced by obsolete methods in Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East is potentially hazardous when used in contact with acidic foods. This conclusion was deduced from the testing of 423 glazed utensils for the amount of lead leached by 4% acetic acid. Control measures, surveillance, and regulations are therefore warranted.

Supplementary water from private wells in greater Beirut: a 1982 survey in retrospect

Drilling of private wells in Greater Beirut has increased sharply in the past few decades, thus inducing a marked rise in seawater infiltration, as the amount of extracted groundwater gradually exceeded the amount of natural recharge water. This phenomenon provoked a number of studies on groundwater in Greater Beirut, including the present one, which involved a survey of 75 private wells based on a questionnaire to obtain information pertaining to these wells. Samples of water from 42 of the wells were collected and examined to determine the quality of the groundwater in the study area, particularly regarding the magnitude of seawater infiltration at the time of the investigation. The results obtained and their interpretation are reported and discussed, including the deteriorating quality of the groundwater and associated problems which call for a continuous monitoring program.