RETRACTED ARTICLE: Groundwater contaminations and health perspectives in developing world case study: Gaza Strip |
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Authors: | B Shomar |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 236, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany |
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Abstract: | Groundwater is the only source of water in the Gaza Strip. The results of a 10-year monitoring program revealed that more
than 90% of the available water is not suitable for drinking purposes as a result of elevated chemical contaminants as well
as microbiological organisms. The archives of the local hospitals showed catastrophic records on diseases caused by water
directly and indirectly. Methemoglobinemia and dental fluorosis are well-known diseases caused by elevated nitrate and fluoride,
respectively. Water-borne diseases are currently high and will increase if water, sanitation, and food-control services are
not restored, or are allowed to deteriorate further. Heavy use and misuse of banned and prohibited pesticides may show other
hard diseases in the near future. Geography, politics, and war combine to make the Gaza Strip a worst-case scenario for water-resource
planners. Urgent alternative water resources should be secured and the human health should be given the highest priority. |
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