Scientific African最新文献

{"title":"Design and experimentation of an innovative photovoltaic solar cooker with battery storage: A sustainable solution for Africa's future","authors":"M. Hmich ,&nbsp;B. Zoukarh ,&nbsp;R. Malek ,&nbsp;S. Chadli ,&nbsp;O. Deblecker ,&nbsp;K. Kassmi ,&nbsp;N. Bachiri","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02791","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02791","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and experimental results of an innovative, autonomous, and flexible solar cooker integrated with battery storage. This cooker powers two heating elements: the first via 600 Wp photovoltaic panels, and the second via batteries (48 V; 250 Ah), charged by other photovoltaic panels of the same power rating, through a power block (Block 1) and an electronic system (Block 2). The cooker is powered by a total power of 1000 to 1200 W, distributed as follows: 400 to 600 W supplied directly by the photovoltaic panels during daylight, and 200 to 500 W provided by the batteries. Experiments conducted over the course of one year show that the temperature of one heating element reaches 400 °C in 2–4 min of heating by the photovoltaic panels, depending on sunlight, between 10 am and 3 pm. The second heating element reaches 350 °C in 2–5 min when powered by the batteries. The analysis of the results highlights, on one hand, the proper functioning of Blocks 1 and 2, with an efficiency exceeding 90 %, and on the other hand, the effectiveness of Block 1, which optimizes the power supplied by the photovoltaic panels using a \"Perturb and Observe\" MPPT algorithm. Moreover, this cooker produces 2.5 to 3 kWh of energy over a 5-hour period from the photovoltaic panels, and 2.5 kWh from the batteries during the same period. These performances are more than sufficient to meet the cooking needs of households in both rural and urban areas. Additionally, experimental results show that it is possible to heat 1 L of water to boiling (100 °C) in 10–15 min using either the photovoltaic panels or the batteries. All the results confirm the proper functioning of the solar cooker's Blocks 1 and 2, which efficiently adapt to users' needs (day and night), thus validating the practical feasibility of the cooker. All the results confirm the proper functioning of the solar cooker's Blocks 1 and 2, which efficiently adapt to users' needs (day and night), thus validating the practical feasibility of the cooker. Compared to existing solutions in the literature, these results demonstrate remarkable performance, particularly in the efficient use of energy produced by PV panels and batteries, making this system suitable for both grid-connected and off-grid households.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02791"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144255015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Petrophysical and petrographic characterisation of the reservoirs in Niger delta for carbon capture and storage","authors":"Itai Mutadza,&nbsp;Sunday S. Ikiensikimama,&nbsp;Ogbonna F. Joel","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02774","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02774","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are linked to the rising average temperatures that the world is experiencing. Carbon sequestration in geological formations is one of the key strategies to combat climate change. However, it is essential to characterise these geological formations to assess the potential success of environmentally friendly carbon sequestration. Controlling carbon sequestration and its migration within porous sandstones is largely dependent on the textural and geometrical characteristics of the pore networks, including tortuosity, connectivity, pore size distribution, and pore shape. Microstructural analysis of the reservoirs helps reduce risks and uncertainties associated with carbon storage by enhancing our understanding of the reservoir’s quality. This study focuses on the petrophysical and petrographic characterisation of reservoirs in the Niger Delta, using an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and synchrotron radiation. Quartz, clays, and feldspar were identified, with quartz being the most abundant. Na, Al, Mg, Si, and Fe were observed, confirming the XRD mineralogical results. The formations’ rough surface morphology suggested that there was a large surface area available for storing and capturing carbon. The synchrotron radiation, with its high-resolution capabilities, revealed the internal structure of the formations. Reconstruction of CT images, a non-destructive method, assessed the porosity, accounting for both connected (permeable) and unconnected (closed) voids. The pore volume of the samples was determined using Fiji software (ImageJ). The BV/TV ratio averaged 0.6, inferring good structural integrity. Overall, the petrophysical and petrographic characteristics of the Niger Delta formations suggest that they are favourable for carbon sequestration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02774"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144262035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impacts of climate-smart agroforestry practices on income and food security in two Rwandan agroecosystems","authors":"Donatien Ntawuruhunga ,&nbsp;Edwin Estomii Ngowi ,&nbsp;Halima Omari Mangi ,&nbsp;Raymond John Salanga ,&nbsp;Kenneth Lynch Leonard","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) practices offer a sustainable way to improve soil health, increase farm productivity, enhance biodiversity, and boost farmers’ well-being in low-income countries. This study assessed the effects of CSAF on income and food security among 381 farmer households in two contrasting Rwandan agroecosystems. Data were collected through farm-level interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariate latent variable regression. Results revealed that CSAF practices increased crop yield, improved food security, and diversified income sources. Livestock contributed the highest income, while tree products contributed the least. Smallholder farms (&lt;1 ha) reported the highest profits, averaging Rwf 68,975,000 (US$ 52,175.46). Food security was higher in Bugesera (46.7 %) than in Rulindo (42.5 %). Among CSAF practices, shelterbelts and multipurpose trees significantly influenced income and profit, while silvopasture enhanced food security. Despite these findings, latent variables – factors related to farmers’ attitudes towards adopting CSAF practices – have a small impact (if any) on well-being outcomes. This is important information for policymakers, as it signals the extension education needed for the farmers’ understanding of the influence of CSAF adoption on improved household wellbeing. Moreover, these results suggest that CSAF practices can lead to increased income, enhanced food security, and greater resilience to climate change. This information can inform policies and guide agricultural researchers in developing and promoting more effective interventions, ultimately leading to wider adoption of CSAF.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02785"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated assessment of bio-methane potential from cocoa pod husk in Ghana using physicochemical characterisation and geospatial techniques","authors":"Richard Arthur ,&nbsp;Clement Nyamekye ,&nbsp;Samuel Kwofie ,&nbsp;Martina Francisca Baidoo","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02795","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02795","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, resulting in significant organic waste, particularly cocoa pod husk (CPH), which accounts for 70–80 % of the whole cocoa fruit. The bio-methane potential of CPH was investigated, and its role in sustainable energy generation and waste management was emphasised. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies, the research mapped CPH distribution across six major cocoa-growing regions, identifying areas with the highest biomass availability and estimating up to 175,000 tonnes in Western North region alone based on 2024 cocoa production. The physicochemical properties of CPH were assessed, and confirmed its suitability for anaerobic digestion, with a projected bio-methane yield of 200–300 m³ per tonne of CPH. Findings indicate that CPH possesses favourable characteristics for biogas production, including high organic content (∼85 % volatile solids) and biodegradability. GIS analysis highlights opportunities for localised bio-methane production, which could meet to Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan target for 2030 and the National Energy Transition Framework, while creating economic opportunities for rural communities. The study also addressed challenges such as technological barriers and the need for supportive policies. Ultimately, it emphasises integrating bio-methane into Ghana's energy framework through public-private partnerships to foster innovation and investment in renewable energy technologies. These insights advance the broader discourse on sustainable agricultural practices and energy transitions in Ghana, positioning bio-methane as a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels and an important factor to consider in consider in achieving energy security and environmental sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02795"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the local knowledge of farming and pastoral communities in relation to climate change challenges in Ethiopia: a systematic review","authors":"Animut Mekuriaw Andualem ,&nbsp;Jørgen Klein ,&nbsp;Dawit Asrat Getahun","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Farming and pastoral communities in Ethiopia are vulnerable to climate change impacts and they encounter several barriers when choosing adaptation strategies. Despite their widespread local knowledge of climate change adaptation, this knowledge is insufficiently documented and underutilized in academic research and policy frameworks. This review aimed to assess the local and indigenous practices addressing climate change and the barriers influencing the selection of adaptation strategies by farming and pastoral communities. The review was carried out following the ROSES guidelines that include formulating research questions, screening articles, and synthesizing the findings. A total of 1963 articles were originally identified from the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Of these, 32 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. The results document local/indigenous agronomic and pastoral practices such as crop diversification, soil and water conservation, and seasonal movements in addition to various forms of weather prediction. The analysis indicates that there are large regional disparities in the attention from the research field given to local practices. The vast majority of the studies were undertaken in the Oromia, the SNNPR, and Amhara regions, despite the nationwide impact of climate change. About one-third of the studies featured global collaboration, while two-thirds centered on national collaboration. Key factors influencing adaptation strategies include socioeconomic, institutional, environmental, informational, and cognitive barriers. Additionally, the review identified gaps, such as the underutilization of plant and animal indicators, as well as various barriers that restrict adaptation efforts, suggesting areas for further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02794"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mathematical modelling of meningitis serogroups A and C transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa: A case study in Ghana","authors":"Bernard Opoku ,&nbsp;Adu Sakyi ,&nbsp;Reindorf Nartey Borkor","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study proposes an epidemiological model for Susceptible, Protected, Carriers (Men A and Men C), Infected (Men A and Men C) and Recovered (SPCIRS) to accurately estimate meningitis’ occurrence and transmission in Ghana. To validate this approach, reported data obtained by researchers on case studies in regions of Ghana that are part of the Sub-Saharan meningitis belt were used. Based on the model’s prediction, infected individuals have an equal probability of transmitting the infection to others through contact. Simulated results from the equilibrium-state analysis of this methodology reveal that there is a specific threshold parameter <span><math><mi>ς</mi></math></span> such that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub><mo>&lt;</mo><mi>ς</mi><mo>≤</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>, whereas backward bifurcation occurs when <span><math><mrow><mi>ς</mi><mo>&lt;</mo><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub><mo>≤</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>, in which case the disease-free equilibrium is unstable when <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub><mo>&gt;</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>. A unique endemic equilibrium is present when <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn></mrow></msub></math></span> is near 1, with the possibility of this equilibrium being locally asymptotically stable. Furthermore, the proposed model effectively fits the data from the examples studied. This highlighted the optimal control theory identifies ideal strategies for disease eradication and the impact of vaccination and treatment plans. When eradication is not feasible, Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle provides optimal disease management. It was deduced from the numerical simulations that high coverage of susceptible individuals receiving vaccinations, combined with the development of an efficient vaccine, is the best strategy for managing the bacteria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02758"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144262034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A new generalization of power Chris-Jerry distribution with different estimation methods, simulation and applications","authors":"Mohammed Elgarhy ,&nbsp;Diaa S. Metwally ,&nbsp;Amal S. Hassan ,&nbsp;Ahmed W. Shawki","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02769","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02769","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The choice of a suitable model has a major impact on the precision and dependability of statistical modeling results. A new model, the transmuted power Chris-Jerry distribution (Tr-PCJD), is presented in this study. The Tr-PCJD is a valuable generalization of the power Chris-Jerry distribution, known for its simplicity and effectiveness in modeling non-negative real-world. Its hazard rate function and density function support a wide variety of designs which reflects this adaptability. Additionally, it includes two existing models as well as a new sub-model. We examine the mathematical characteristics of the Tr-PCJD, such as random number generation, moments, and extropy measures, in order to highlight its significance. Along with that, we investigate eight estimation techniques for estimating the distribution’s unknown parameters. The performance of the Cramer-von Mises, maximum likelihood, right tail Anderson–Darling, least squares, percentiles, Anderson–Darling, weighted least squares, and Anderson–Darling left tail second order estimators is assessed by an extensive simulation study. To further empirically validate the promise of the Tr-PCJD, we apply it to a real-world dataset.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02769"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of thermo-chemical treatment and particulate contents on mechanical and wear behavior of MangiferaIndica shell/calcium oxide hybridized epoxy-based composites","authors":"Jeremiah Lekwuwa Chukwuneke ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Muofunanya Egbuche ,&nbsp;Kingsley Chidi Nnakwo ,&nbsp;Henry Chukwuemeka Olisakwe ,&nbsp;Okwuchukwu Innocent Ani ,&nbsp;Peter Okechukwu Chikelu ,&nbsp;Tochukwu Obialo Nwokeocha ,&nbsp;Sunday Chimezie Anyaora","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduced a novel method for improving the mechanical and wear performances of epoxy-based composites using thermo-chemically treated Mangifera indica shell particulates (MIps) and calcium oxide (CaO) as hybrid reinforcement. Few studies on MIp-based composites did not examine the effects of advanced post-treatments on overall composite performance. In this study, MIps were refined to 45 µm and subjected to a two-step treatment: NaOH activation at 90 °C/4 h and HCl refluxing at 75 °C/2 h to improve interfacial bonding. The study assessed the synergistic effects of MIps and CaO on mechanical and wear performances via FTIR, SEM-EDS, mechanical testing, and density analysis. The results showed marked improvements with treated MIp: 155.6 % increase in tensile strength (299 MPa), 290.5 % increase in hardness (164 BHN), and 56.1 % reduction in wear rate (3.30 mm³/mm), compared to untreated MIp. CaO addition enhanced particle dispersion and carbide formation, with treated MIp composites achieving superior compactness and wettability. These findings highlight the potential of optimized MIp-CaO hybrids in sustainable composite development. The enhanced properties make them ideal for real-world applications in automotive components (e.g., dashboards, interior panels, and non-structural supports) and other consumer products like casings, furniture parts, and sporting goods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02788"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144255014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced breeding strategies for combating rice salinity stress in Ghana: A critical review and future perspective","authors":"Mavis Owusuaa Osei-Wusu ,&nbsp;Remember Roger Adjei ,&nbsp;Kwame Sarpong Appiah ,&nbsp;Theresa Ankamah-Yeboah ,&nbsp;Kwasi Adusei-Fosu","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02784","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02784","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rice is a staple crop and the second most consumed food in Ghana; however, only 48 % of what is consumed. Rising soil salinity, driven by changing climatic conditions, presents a substantial challenge to rice cultivation in Ghana, especially in coastal and delta regions where rice is a crucial staple crop. The application of advanced breeding tools is essential to developing salt-tolerant rice varieties as a mitigation strategy. This review examines the application of cutting-edge techniques for developing resilient rice cultivars tailored for Ghana's saline environments. Here, we explored the effectiveness of marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, genetic modification, and genome editing as potential approaches to accelerate the breeding of salt-tolerant rice. Marker-assisted selection, utilising high-density Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers, has enabled rapid identification and incorporation of salt tolerance traits. Advances in low-cost, high-density DNA marker technologies have made genomic selection, a method that uses genome-wide markers to predict performance without extensive phenotyping, a promising approach to accelerate genetic gains in rice salinity tolerance. Genetic modification techniques, including Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, have been used to introduce novel traits to enhance resilience to salinity. Genome editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, enables precise gene modifications to enhance tolerance to various abiotic stressors, including salinity. Additionally, the application of double haploid technology has streamlined the breeding process to achieve homozygosity for salinity tolerance within one generation. This review highlights the application of these tools as potential solutions to sustain rice production and food security in Ghana and elsewhere. Future research should focus on developing regulatory frameworks to safely test, validate, adopt and integrate the technologies, complemented with traditional agricultural practices to maximise their impact in farms with saline soils.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02784"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of urban and industrial effluents on a receiving stream using statistical and quality indices","authors":"David O. Omole ,&nbsp;Chinemelum C. Udemezue ,&nbsp;Oluranti S. Agboola","doi":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Discharging untreated effluents into surface water bodies is a widespread practice that degrades surface water, thereby jeopardizing public health in several African countries, including Nigeria. Due to a lack of access to clean drinking water, many users rely exclusively on stream water, making stream quality monitoring very important. The Arobieye stream in Ota, Nigeria, is one such stream that is impacted by effluent discharge from an urban centre and an alcoholic beverage factory. Stream and effluent samples were obtained from known intervals for physicochemical and faecal contamination analysis. Some of the pollutants from the urban and industrial effluents that exceeded the maximum contaminant limit included COD (78.6 mg/l and 8192 mg/l), phosphate (5.087 mg/l and 6.91 mg/l), cadmium (0.016 mg/l and 0.079 mg/l), total coliform (40,000 cfu/100 ml and 180,000 cfu/100 ml), and Escherichia coliform (25,000 cfu/100 ml and 110,000 cfu/100 ml). Pearson’s correlation matrix revealed strong positive correlations between the total coliform and nitrate (0.976), between the copper and nitrite (0.989), and between the <em>Escherichia coli</em> and zinc (0.910) concentrations. The stream arithmetic weighted mean water quality index (WQI_A) test also revealed that the stream depreciated from a test score of 74.13 (good) to 37.83 (bad). Pollution discharge into streams occurs year-round without any regulatory checks. Therefore, regulatory authorities need to increase their enforcement drive to protect the stream and downstream users. Additionally, a public advocacy programme should be initiated to educate downstream users on the dangers of ingesting untreated water from streams.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21690,"journal":{"name":"Scientific African","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e02781"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}