Browsing by Author "Mnkandla, S.M."

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    Efectiveness of mycofltration for removal of contaminants from water: a systematic review protocol
    (Springer Nature, 2021-07-28) Mnkandla, S.M.; Otomo, P.V.
    Background Mycofiltration is an environment friendly technology which involves the treatment of contaminated water by passing it through a network of fungal mycelium. This technology has gained momentum over the years, and the systematic review chartered in this protocol will compile and synthesise literature on mycofiltration studies, paying special attention to the types and levels of contaminants removed. The systematic review should provide insight into the removal efficiency of mycofiltration by synthesising the mycofiltration knowledge base. Moreover, the proposed contribution will inform further research and provide comprehensive information to relevant stakeholders, such as municipalities, which might be in need of interventions for alleviating wastewater-related pollution in surrounding water bodies. Methods This systematic review protocol is based on the question, “What is the effectiveness of mycofiltration for removal of contaminants from water?” A thorough search of peer reviewed journal articles and grey literature sources will be conducted on academic journal databases, websites, specialist sources such as environmental organisations as well social and networking sources. A supplemental search will also be performed by forward and backward citation tracing. A two-stage screening process at title, abstract and full text level, will be conducted, against predefined inclusion criteria. Studies that meet inclusion criteria will be subjected to quality assessment. Data will be extracted and compiled into a narrative synthesis and summarised into tables and figures. Meta-analysis will be performed where sufficient evidence-base allows.
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    Effects of chronic exposures of selected heavy metals on the glutathione S-transferase activity of freshwater snails Lymnaea natalensis in Zimbabwe
    (Taylor & Francis, 2019) Mnkandla, S.M.; Siwela, A.H.; Basopo, N.
    The effect of the heavy metals (cadmium, copper, mercury and lead) on snail glutathione S-transferase (GST) was investigated in 2015. Groups of Lymnaea natalensis snails were exposed to heavy metals for 28 days at concentrations reportedly found in the Mguza Dam. Water and food were changed daily. Samples were collected at days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post exposure. Inhibition of GST activity, following cadmium exposures, ranged between 58 and 60%, with a decrease of 30% on day 28. When snails were exposed to copper, inhibition significantly decreased by 16%, 29%, 49% and 72% inhibition when tested on days 1, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. Inhibition on day 28 was 44%. Mercury exposures resulted in significant increases in GST inhibition, namely, 47%, 62% and 79% inhibition on days 1, 7 and 14, respectively. Inhibition on day 21 was 82%, whereas on day 28 it was significantly lower, at 29%. Concerning lead exposures, inhibition levels on day 1, 7 and 21 had mean inhibition of 60%. Inhibition on days 14 and 28 was significantly lower, with a mean inhibition of 30%. These results suggest that chronic exposures could inhibit GST activity for a certain period, after which inhibition is reduced, possibly as a result of adaptation.