Orapuh Journal

Heavy metal removal from hospital effluents at the University Clinics of Kinshasa using a UASB reactor: A comparative analysis under optimised and non-optimised operational conditions

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:58:06 +0200

Introduction

Hospital effluents often contain heavy metals that pose significant environmental and public health risks, particularly in settings with limited access to advanced wastewater treatment technologies. Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors represent a low-cost alternative; however, pilot-scale data on heavy metal removal remain scarce.

Purpose

This study evaluated the performance of a pilot-scale UASB reactor for heavy metal removal under optimised and non-optimised operational conditions and identified key factors influencing treatment efficiency.

Methods

A Plackett–Burman experimental design was used to screen critical operational parameters. The UASB reactor was operated for 12 weeks using real hospital effluent collected from the University Clinics of Kinshasa, with 36 samples analysed per monitoring point. The optimised reactor (P14) incorporated natural additives, including clay, eggshells, maize, and lime. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), with quality assurance and quality control procedures, calibration standards, and analytical blanks applied throughout.

Results

Under optimised conditions, substantial reductions were observed in chemical oxygen demand (COD; 620 → 150 mg/L) and heavy metal concentrations: iron (1.20 → 0.45 mg/L), copper (0.85 → 0.30 mg/L), and zinc (0.60 → 0.22 mg/L), corresponding to removal efficiencies of approximately 60–70%. Nickel and manganese concentrations also decreased but remained above World Health Organization guideline limits. Reactor performance remained stable throughout the 12-week operational period.

Conclusion

Pilot-scale UASB reactors supplemented with natural additives can significantly enhance heavy metal removal from hospital effluents. Further research is required to assess long-term operational stability, heavy metal fate, sludge management, and scalability prior to full-scale implementation.

Evaluation of access to water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) in the Lushagala displaced persons camp, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Compliance with SPHERE standards

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:32:57 +0200

Introduction

Access to safe drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) is a fundamental human right and a critical public health determinant, particularly in humanitarian emergency settings.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess access to WASH services in the Lushagala displaced persons camp in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and to compare the findings with the SPHERE minimum standards in order to identify gaps and inform improvement interventions.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 31 July 2024 among 446 households selected using a systematic two-stage probability sampling method. Data were collected using KoboCollect and analysed with Stata version 15.0. The study received ethical approval (Approval No. ESP/CE/200/2024) and was conducted after obtaining verbal informed consent from participants.

Results

Average water consumption was 5.9 litres per person per day. Sixty-two per cent of households spent more than 30 minutes collecting water (95% CI: 57.5%–66.5%). The sanitation coverage ratio was 63 people per latrine. Only 6.3% of sanitation facilities (95% CI: 4.0%–8.6%) had a functional handwashing station, and 82% of latrines were poorly maintained (95% CI: 78.4%–85.6%). In addition, 87.7% of households (95% CI: 84.6%–90.8%) reported the presence of solid waste in their household surroundings.

Conclusion

The study reveals critical gaps in access to WASH services in the Lushagala displaced persons camp when compared with SPHERE minimum standards. These findings highlight the urgent need to increase water supply to at least 15 litres per person per day and to address sanitation deficits through the construction of approximately 2,900 additional latrines, thereby reducing the current ratio of 63 people per latrine to the recommended standard of 20 people per latrine. These results provide essential evidence to guide the actions of authorities and humanitarian actors.

Verification of an analytical method and in vitro comparative study of the dissolution kinetics of generic amoxicillin 500 mg capsules manufactured by the local pharmaceutical industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:32:07 +0200

Introduction

Strengthening the local pharmaceutical industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to produce affordable, effective, and high-quality medicines contributes to improved health outcomes and economic development. The government grants a monopoly to local manufacturers for the production of certain generic medicines, such as amoxicillin. These products are required to meet established quality, safety, and efficacy standards to adequately address population health needs.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interchangeability of different brands of amoxicillin produced by local manufacturers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a reference (innovator) product through comparative in vitro dissolution testing.

Methods

Two generic products manufactured by local pharmaceutical companies and one innovator product were evaluated. For each product, one batch was randomly purchased from authorised wholesalers. Analyses were conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography in accordance with the United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary (USP–NF, 2024). Twelve dosage units were analysed to establish dissolution profiles. Comparative dissolution testing was performed at different pH conditions (1.2, 4.5, and 6.8) using a paddle-type dissolution apparatus. Quantification was carried out by UV spectrophotometry, and dissolution profiles were compared using the difference factor (f₁) and similarity factor (f₂). Acceptable ranges were 0–15 for f₁ and 50–100 for f₂.

Results

All samples complied with the USP–NF 2024 specifications. However, dissolution recovery rates differed across sampling points. The fit factor analysis demonstrated interchangeability with the reference product only at pH 1.2, while no similarity was observed at pH 4.5 and 6.8.

Conclusion

The findings indicate potential concerns regarding the efficacy and interchangeability of locally manufactured generic amoxicillin products compared with the innovator product. Manufacturers should re-evaluate their formulations, considering all factors influencing dissolution performance. In addition, regulatory authorities should strengthen post-marketing surveillance to ensure the quality of pharmaceutical products.