[Biological analysis of workers in the food sector in north Lebanon]

We investigated the prevalence of bacterial and parasitic infections among workers in a pastry factory in North Lebanon in 2004. We found 39% of the workers [n = 196] had nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus. Resistance of S. aureus isolates was 98.7% to penicillin G, 24.7% to fusidic acid, 14.3% to pefloxacine and tetracycline, 11.7% to erythromycin, 6.5% to oxacillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate. Salmonella typhi was not found in any of the workers. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was 57.8% [n = 308]. Amoebae comprised 72.5% [68.3% Entamoeba coli, 15.5% E. histolytica], followed by flagellates [18.0 %] [37.5% Dientamoeba fragilis, 31.3% Giardia lamblia] and nematodes [7.8%] [only Ascaris lumbricoides]. The tuberculin test was positive in 16.3% of the workers [n = 301]

[Algae in the dam reservoirs used for drinking-water production in Morocco]

As part of the study of water quality of dam reservoirs used for drinking-water production, the Water Quality Laboratory of the National Office for Drinking Water in Morocco prepared a micrographic atlas of the main species of planktonic algae found in 22 reservoirs over a period of 25 years. The atlas includes 321 micrographs representing 156 taxons with an indication of the sample location and an enlargement ratio for each micrograph. In some cases, information is also provided on algae associations, algal counts and monthly occurrence

Marib Dam: the importance of environmental and health impact studies for development projects

Marib Dam was built without an environmental impact assessment study which created many conflicts. In 1995 and 1996 its impact on water quality, agriculture and groundwater recharge and socioeconomics was studied. Lake water could suffer severe eutrophication when floods are weak and algae growth is not controlled. Introducing Tilapia nilotica provided biological control of algae growth. The dam positively affected agriculture and groundwater within the designed irrigation scheme but negatively affected them beyond it. The dam also negatively affected health conditions and increased conflicts over water distribution. It positively affected women by allowing them to work in agriculture and participate in decision-making. The dam raised income levels of farmers and encouraged tourism