Assessment of Risks Associated with Hospital Effluent from Kara University Hospital (Kara U.H.) in Togo

The Kara University Hospital generates an average of 17133.1 m3 of wastewater per year. These hospital effluents contain specific substances likely to disseminate pathogenic germs. The objective of the study is to assess the risks associated with the poor management of hospital effluents from the Kara University Hospital. The study involved the characterization of the effluents. The results obtained show that in addition to the temperature and the hydrogen potential (pH), the values of the other physico-chemical parameters in particular, suspended solids (SS) (58.07 mg/L) and nitrates (84.79 mg/L) exceed the discharge standards of World Health Organization (WHO). The values of the microbiological parameters sought, in particular total coliforms (1.106 CFU/100 mL), thermotolerant coliforms (4.105 CFU/100 mL), sulphite-reducing anaerobes (3.6103 CFU/100 mL) and faecal streptococci (5.103 CFU/100 mL) exceed the discharge standards accepted by the WHO. Exposed individuals were identified through an exposure level assessment matrix. The analysis shows that at the production stage, healthcare personnel are the most exposed with a critical rate of 64% (16/25); at the evacuation stage, the workers in charge of evacuation show a moderate exposure level of 48% (12/25). After disposal in nature, populations living near landfill areas are the most exposed with a rate of 48% (12/25). After disposal in nature, populations living near landfill areas are the most exposed with a rate of 48% (12/25). The wearing of personal protective equipment by staff and the establishment of a treatment plant will reduce the risks and ensure sustainable management of effluents from the Kara University Hospital.