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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hannachi, Sabrina, Bouras, Djillali, Flower, Roger
Format: Artículo científico
Language:en
Published: Veterinary world 2025
Online Access:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40926852/
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Table of Contents:
  • Microbiological and chemical characterization of coastal hospital wastewater in Oran, Algeria: Implications for public and livestock health under a One Health framework. Hannachi, Sabrina Bouras, Djillali Flower, Roger Hospital effluents are a major source of environmental contaminants, harboring pathogenic bacteria, toxic trace metals, and high organic loads. This study aimed to evaluate the bacteriological and physicochemical profiles of wastewater discharged from three coastal hospitals in Oran, Algeria, and to assess the associated public and livestock health risks under the One Health approach. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to February 2024, involving monthly sampling at three hospitals and one drainage collector. Twenty-six composite samples were collected at three peak daily intervals. Bacteriological analysis targeted , and spp. using selective media, membrane filtration, and biochemical confirmation. Physicochemical parameters, including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and conductivity, were analyzed using standard American Public Health Association methods. Trace metals (lead [Pb], cadmium, nickel, copper [Cu], zinc) were quantified through atomic absorption spectrometry. All effluents contained pathogenic bacteria, with peak concentrations of (up to 34.5 × 10 colony-forming units [CFU]/100 mL), (up to 4.5 × 10 CFU/100 mL), and persistent spp. detected primarily in warmer seasons. All and isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics. Physicochemical assessment revealed elevated BOD190 mg/L-398 mg/L), COD (200 mg/L-590 mg/L), and COD/BOD ratios Untreated hospital wastewater in Oran poses a serious threat to public and environmental health. The presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and toxic metals highlights the urgent need for dedicated hospital wastewater treatment infrastructure. Grazing livestock and marine ecosystems exposed to these effluents are at risk of bioaccumulation and infection. Regulatory enforcement, routine monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable green hospital plans are essential to safeguard health under the One Health paradigm.