Abstract
The Bisate Region of Rwanda presents unique challenges to
conservation and public health, as it is home to both the
endangered mountain gorilla and a human population of 20,000
individuals. Prior research indicates a potential for disease
transmission between humans and gorillas. This study analyzed the
water quality in Bisate in order to gain insight into the risks of
enteric infection in both the gorillas and human populations in
Bisate and the possibility of transmission between these
populations. Water samples from eight untreated water points were
analyzed over a period of seven weeks. Total coliforms were used as
overall indication of water quality, while Escherichia
coli was used as an indicator for recent fecal
contamination, as it does not normally occur in the environment. Of
three main water sources inside Volcanoes National Park, only one
was found to be consistently free of E. coli.
All water points connected to this uncontaminated source were also
free of E. coli, while the other sources and
connected water points revealed varying levels of E.
coli contamination ranging from 1.0 to 362.4 MPN/100 ml.
Seven treated water points were tested for free residual chlorine;
none of the points met the World Health Organization chlorine
standard for piped water distribution. Geospatial mapping of the
water sources was conducted in conjunction with a sample of 365
surveyed households to examine the accessibility of the households
to improved water sources. While 84.4% of surveyed households were
within 1 kilometer of an improved water source, possible barriers
to access included the steep topography of the area, poor quality
of some water sources, wait times, and user fees. The results of
this study indicate that there is a need for greater accessibility
to clean and improved water sources, in addition to better
promotion of household water treatment to ensure residents are
drinking safe water. Increased availability of clean water in the
community may discourage residents from using water sources inside
Volcanoes National Park. Reduced human activity in the park may
decrease the risk of pathogen introduction into water sources as
well as the risk of human-animal pathogen transmission.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Background and Literature Review 5
Addressing the Global Burden of Diarrheal Disease 5
Determinants of Microbiological Water Quality 7
Evaluating Microbiological Water Quality 8
Water and Diarrheal Disease in Rwanda 9
Disease Transmission between Gorillas and Humans 11
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International 15
The Bisate Catchment Area 16
Methodology 19
Household Survey 20
Mapping 22
Water Quality Testing 22
Results 26
Water Quality Testing 26
Bunyenyeri Spring and Connected Taps 27
Bushokoro Well and Connected Taps 29
Other sources 34
EWSA Taps 36
Self-reported Water Treatment Practices 37
Water Source Accessibility 38
Discussion 41
Water Quality 41
Water Source Accessibility 47
Strengths and Limitations 50
Public Health Implications and Recommendations 53
References 56
Appendices 60
Appendix A: Emory University Institutional Review Board Exemption
60
Appendix B: Approval from the National Ethics Committee of Rwanda
62
Appendix C: Household Survey conducted in the Bisate Catchment
Area, Rwanda, June-July 2013 65
About this Master's Thesis
Rights statement
- Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.
| School |
|
|---|
| Department |
|
|---|
| Degree |
|
|---|
| Submission |
|
|---|
| Language |
|
|---|
| Research Field |
|
|---|
| 关键词 |
|
|---|
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor |
|
|---|
| Committee Members |
|
|---|
| Partnering Agencies |
|
|---|