TITLE:
Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water and Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Narrative Review
AUTHORS:
Samer Abuzerr, Simin Nasseri, Masud Yunesian, Samir Yassin, Mahdi Hadi, Amir Hossein Mahvi, Ramin Nabizadeh, Mohamed Al Agha, Amal Sarsour, Maher Darwish
KEYWORDS:
Fecal Coliforms, Gaza Strip, Microbiological Water Contamination, Public Health, Total Coliforms, Waterborne Diseases
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.7 No.4,
April
23,
2019
ABSTRACT: Water quality and occurrence of water-borne diseases in the Gaza strip are
vivid examples for most developing societies. In recent years, the quality and
quantity of groundwater, the only source of waters in the Gaza strip, have deteriorated
markedly. A general rundown of the infrastructure and water distribution
networks, in particular, the spread of cesspools, excessive use of
pesticides and fertilizers, and improper treatment and disposal of wastewater
remain major contributing factors to the continued deterioration in the water
status in the Gaza strip. Without a doubt, the (Israeli)-Palestinian conflict had
a clear negative impact on the water sector in the Gaza strip. Apparently,
there is a dire need to adopt the WHO’s water safety plan in the management
of Gaza’s water supply systems from catchment to consumer’s tap in order to
maintain the sustainability and quality of water resources and prevent outbreaks
of waterborne diseases. Therefore, this review has been prepared to
highlight the overall picture of the water dilemma in the Gaza strip in the last
years and in addition, to identify the sources, sorts, levels, and health risks of
consequence to microbial contamination of water. The impact of political
conflicts on the water sector in the Gaza strip also was reviewed. Furthermore, recommendations were formulated in order to assist and guide future
researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers to avoid the more exacerbation
of water contamination as well as to protect public health.