The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry farming for disease treatment and growth promotion has raised significant environmental and public health concerns. This study investigates the environmental and public health risks associated with the excretion of antibiotics in poultry droppings, focusing on the types, concentrations, and potential impacts, such as antibiotic resistance, of these substances on ecosystems and human health. Using solid-phase extraction and LC-MS analysis, antibiotic residues were quantified in 15 samples, with neomycin sulfate having the highest concentration (29.9 mg/kg) and ampicillin the lowest (16.1 mg/kg). Physicochemical analysis revealed slightly acidic pH (5.7-5.76), moderate electrical conductivity (608-611 mu S/cm), and total dissolved solids (250-252 mg/L). Risk quotients (RQs) for ampicillin exceeded 1 in algae, daphnids, and fish, indicating high ecological risks. Environmental risk assessments revealed that ampicillin posed a significant risk to aquatic species, as indicated by RQs exceeding 1 in algae, daphnids, and fish. Microbiological analysis identified microbial loads ranging from 1 & times; 108 to 3 & times; 1011 CFU/mL. A MALDI-TOF MS was used to confirm 26 Escherichia coli isolates, all of which showed resistance to at least two antibiotics. Multidrug resistance was observed in 8 isolates (31%). Resistance was highest to ticarcillin-clavulanic acid and norfloxacin (92%), while amikacin exhibited the highest susceptibility (92%). The highest MDR occurrence was linked to antibact 3x (oxytetracycline HCl, neomycin sulfate, and tylosin tartrate). A survey of 50 poultry farm workers revealed that 100% used antibiotics, with 50% administering them daily. Most disposed of droppings for crop use, yet all disposed of drug containers alongside manure, posing contamination risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy reform, farmer education, and stricter guidelines on waste treatment to minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect environmental and human health.

Large-scale solid-fueled kitchens in developing countries release particulate matter (PM) concentrations exceeding daily human thresholds. The study employed the Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model to investigate the subsequent deposition, retention and clearance of PM2.5 and PM10 from cooks’ occupational exposure in different types of high school cookstove kitchens (traditional, briquette and improved). The total deposition fraction of inhaled PM in the human respiratory tracts of cooks was approximately 88 – 96%, with PM10 having higher total deposition than PM2.5. Most (74 – 95%) of the inhaled PM was deposited in the head region, likely due to inertial impaction and sedimentation. The total deposited fractions of PM were slightly higher in males. The highest clearance and retention of PM2.5 was observed in the alveolar region and that of PM10 was observed in the tracheobronchial region. Higher retention of PM2.5 and PM10 was observed in male cooks across kitchen types. The deposited PM mass, mass per unit area, mass flux and deposition rate among the kitchen types could be ranked as traditional cookstove > briquette cookstove > improved cookstove kitchen. The higher deposition and retention of PM in cooks of traditional cookstove kitchens and male cooks indicated they are the most susceptible to respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity risks associated with PM2.5 and PM10 exposure. The modelled PM lung deposition, retention and clearance findings in this study highlight the critical need for policymakers and involved stakeholders to expedite the transitioning of large-scale kitchens in developing countries to cleaner cooking systems.

Urbanization and industrialization have drastically increased ambient air pollution in urban areas globally from vehicle emissions, solid fuel combustion and industrial activities leading to some of the worst air quality conditions. Air pollution in Ghana causes approximately 28,000 premature deaths and disabilities annually, ranking as a leading cause of mortality and disability-adjusted life years. This study evaluated the annual concentrations of PM2.5, NO2 and O3 in the ambient air of 57 cities in Ghana for two decades using historical and forecasted data from satellite measurements. The study assessed urban air quality and evaluated both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with human exposure to ambient air pollutants. Alarmingly, our findings revealed the yearly median PM2.5 concentrations (50.79-67.97 µg m-3) to be significantly higher than the WHO recommendation of 5 µg m-3. Tropospheric ozone concentrations (72.21-92.58 µg m-3 ) also exceeded the WHO annual standard of 60 µg m-3. Furthermore, NO2 concentrations (3.65-12.15 µg m-3 ) surpassed the WHO threshold of 10 µg/m³ in multiple cities. Hazard indices indicated that PM2.5 and O3 pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks for younger age groups for a daily exposure duration of three hours and beyond. According to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) in our study, exposure to PM2.5 shortens life expectancy by 4.5-6.2 years. The ambient air of the majority (98 %) of the cities was unhealthy for sensitive groups. This study reveals the urgent need for comprehensive air quality policies in Ghanaian cities. It emphasizes the significance of robust real-time monitoring of air pollutants and the investigation of seasonal dust storm effects, to fill data gaps in Ghana and West Africa, facilitating evidence-based interventions that improve urban air quality and public health outcomes.

Children spend over 80% of their school time in a seated position yet, ergonomic principles are conservatively applied on adult work places without consideration to the school environment. This study assessed the compatibility of the school furniture of kindergarten and class one pupils in the Asokore Mampong and Oforikrom Municipalities, Ghana. A cross-sectional analytic study was used. The research covered four selected basic schools from two socioeconomic suburbs (relatively high and relatively low socioeconomic areas). The participants were chosen using stratified sampling. Anthropometric data were collected from 395 healthypupils during regular class lessons. The student furniture dimensions were taken and compared with their anthropometry to identify potential match or mismatch. For all sitting anthropometric parameters, students were seated in an upright position with 90º knees and elbow flexion. The findings revealed a considerable level of discordancy between the measured furniture and the anthropometrics of the learners due to the negligence of user anthropometry during the construction of educational furniture. The seat depth was too deep for 80.51% of participants, only 15.19% had appropriate seat depth. The seat to desk height had 25.06% match, 69.11% low mismatch and 5.82% high mismatch. The match percentages of seat desk clearance, seat width and desk depth were 72.91%, 66.08% and 36.46% respectively. The match percentages of seat height were 24.61% for low socio-economic area schools and 12.25% for high socio-economic area schools. The seat height was too low for 45.55% of pupils from low socio-economic area schools and 62.25% of those from high socio-economic area schools. The seat depth was too deep for 91.62% of pupils from low socio-economic area schools and 70.10% pupils from high socio-economic area schools. The study revealed considerable incompatibility between the classroom furniture and the body dimensions of the pupils. Thus, the classroom furniture require ergonomic improvements.

Cooking is a major factor that affects the quality of indoor air especially in kitchens. It is a daily activity essential for supplying the requisite energy and nutrients for living through food consumption. Exposure to air pollutants from cooking with solid fuels in domestic and commercial kitchens is a leading health risk in developing nations like Ghana. Real-time monitoring of gaseous pollutants (CO, SO2, NO2) was done during eight hours of occupational cooking in different cookstove kitchens of 14 Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. The traditional and improved cookstove kitchens were fueled by firewood whereas the briquette cookstove kitchens were fueled by palm kernel shell briquette. The observed median concentrations in the kitchens were 0.43–39.44 mg m−3 for CO, 0.07–0.36 mg m−3 for NO2, and 0.19–0.61 mg m−3 for SO2. The concentrations in the traditional and briquette cookstove kitchens exceeded the respective World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds of 4 mg m−3 for CO, 0.025 mg m−3 for NO2, and 0.04 mg m−3 for SO2 mg m−3. The air quality index of traditional cookstove kitchens was classified as hazardous for human occupancy. Hazard indices > 1 revealed the likelihood of significant non-carcinogenic health risks for cooks’ occupational exposure to gaseous pollutants in all the cookstove kitchens. This study is essential as it informs on gaseous air quality during large-scale cooking within institutional kitchens with different cookstove types in a developing country. The study fills a gap in literature by providing real-time concentrations of gaseous air pollutants to which cooks in high school kitchens of a developing country are occupationally exposed. The study recommends the urgent transition of large-scale kitchens in developing countries to cleaner energies and cookstove types, alongside regular monitoring and enforcement of air quality guidelines, to safeguard occupational health.

Abstract Hospital effluents are the main source of pharmaceuticals like analgesics and antibiotics in the environment. This study seeks to determine the occurrence of commonly administered analgesics and antibiotics in hospital effluents and assess their environmental risks. Three replicates effluent samples from 3 hospitals (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital - KNUST, Kumasi South Hospital - KSH, and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital - KATH) within Kumasi were sampled and analyzed for occurrence of analgesics (caffeine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol); and antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole). Samples were prepared for HPLC analysis by filtration and solid phase extraction. Apart from diclofenac and paracetamol detected at concentrations of 0.077–0.555 mg/L and 0.040–0.0440 mg/L respectively, all other pharmaceuticals were below detection levels in KNUST effluent samples. Caffeine (0.060–0.085 mg/L); diclofenac (0.055–0.380 mg/L); paracetamol (0.266–0.510 mg/L); ciprofloxacin (0.044–0.045 mg/L) and metronidazole (0.018–0.042 mg/L) were detected in KSH effluent samples; whilst ibuprofen and amoxicillin were below detection levels. In KATH effluent samples, ciprofloxacin and paracetamol were found at concentrations of 0.029–0.1142 mg/L and 0.074–0.232 mg/L respectively, and the rest were below detection levels. With the exception of the risk quotient (RQ) for ciprofloxacin showing high toxicity for exposure to algae and low toxicity exposure to daphnids and fish, the RQs for all other pharmaceuticals showed low toxicity exposure to algae, daphnids and fish. Pharmaceuticals in hospital effluents pose risk to aquatic life and human health with its associated socio-economic consequences. Thus, hospital effluents must be treated before discharge to avoid or reduce such negative effects.

High application rates of dairy effluent and manure are often associated with nitrogen (N) leaching, which can affect groundwater quality. Here, we used a lysimeter to examine N leaching losses and biomass yield following application of dairy effluent and manure under wheat-maize cropping. The field experiment included seven treatments: no N fertilizer (Control); 200/300 kg N ha(-1) synthetic N fertilizer only (wheat/maize) (CN); 100/150 kg N ha(-1) synthetic N fertilizer plus 100/150 (DE1), 150/200 (DE2) and 250/350 (DE3) kg N ha(-1) dairy effluent; 100/150 kg N ha(-1) synthetic fertilizer plus 100/150 kg N ha(-1) dairy manure (SM1); and 150/225 kg N ha(-1) synthetic fertilizer plus 50/75 kg N ha(-1) dairy manure (SM2). Compared with CN, DE1 treatment increased maize yield by 10.0 %, wheat N use efficiency (NUE) by 26.5 %, and wheat and maize N uptake by 7.7-16.3 %, while reduced N leaching by 22.4 % in wheat season and by 40.4 % in the maize season. In contrast, DE2 and DE3 treatment increased N leaching by 27.2-241 % and reduced NUE by 26.2-55.2 %. SM2 treatment increased yield and NUE by 8.8 % and 7.8 %, respectively, and reduced N leaching by 42.9 % during the wheat but not the maize season. Annual N leaching losses were 37.6 kg N ha(-1) under CN treatment, but decreased to 27.4 kg N ha(-1) under DE1. In contrast, N leaching increased to 52.8 and 84.1 kg N ha(-1) under DE2 and DE3 treatment, respectively (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, under SM1 and SM2 treatment, N leaching decreased by 71.2 % and 32.0 %, respectively, compared with CN. These results suggest that replacing 50 % and 25 % synthetic N fertilizer with dairy farm effluent and manure could reduce N leaching losses but had varied effects on crop productivity under wheat-maize cropping.

Seaweed associated bacteria can be exploited for sustainable production and conservation of seaweeds, although limited information exists in several coastal waters in West Africa. Here, the diversity and abundance of bacteria on five seaweeds, Sargassum vulgare, Padina durvillaei, Hydropuntia dentata, Hypnea musciformis and Ulva fasciata, and surrounding seawaters across five coastal sites in the Central and Western regions of Ghana were investigated. Biochemical tests and MALDIaeuro"TOF identification system were used to determine the bacteria diversity and abundance on the seaweeds and seawater. A total of 530 bacterial isolates, belonging to 28 species (and mostly Proteobacteria and Firmicutes) were identified. A higher diversity of bacteria species was found associated with the seaweeds (83%) than in seawater (17%). Bacterial composition was similar among taxonomically-related seaweeds. The brown (S. vulgare) and red (H. musciformis) seaweeds recorded the most and least diverse bacterial assemblage, respectively. Seasonally, bacterial diversity and abundance were marginally higher in the wet season. The study provides important baseline information on the spatial, temporal and taxonomic distribution of bacteria associated with commercially valuable seaweed species in the coastal areas of Ghana. The results are also important for the sustainable exploitation and conservation of these important macroalgae in Ghana and elsewhere.

Institutional kitchens, such as high school kitchens in developing countries like Ghana, heavily rely on biomass fuel to provide meals for students and staff. This study investigated the levels of Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in 14 biomass-fueled and six liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fueled high school kitchens within the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Real-time monitoring of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particulate matter was done during an occupational duration of eight hours in the school kitchens. The average levels of PM10 in the biomass-fueled and LPG-fueled school kitchens varied from 0.27 to 1.76 mg/m3 and 0.12 to 0.24 mg/m3, respectively. Average levels of PM2.5 in the biomass-fueled and LPG-fueled school kitchens ranged from 0.18 to 1.25 mg/m3 and 0.11 to 0.22 mg/m3, respectively. The average levels of PM10 and PM2.5 in the school kitchens were above the World Health Organization's (WHO) daily limits for particulate matter. A greater fraction of the particular matter measured in the school kitchens was fine particles. The study's health risk assessment suggested possible non-cancer health risks for cooks in both LPG and biomass-fueled kitchens. Expedited action is therefore needed to transition similar institutional kitchens in developing nations to cleaner cookstoves and fuels.

Background: Drinking water from deep wells and boreholes is anticipated to have high concentrations of natural radioactivity from the decay of uranium, thorium, and potassium-40 isotopes. Ingestion of water containing radioactive matter for the long term dispenses potential health risks. This study sought to assess radiological quality in groundwater from selected boreholes used for domestic purposes in Osino, Ghana. Materials and Methods: The analysis was done using gamma-ray spectrometry to determine the activity of radionuclides 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K in fifteen water samples collected from five selected boreholes. The samples were prepared into 1 litre Marinelli beaker, firmly closed and stored for 30 days to attain secular equilibrium between the long-lived radionuclides and their short-lived offspring. Results: The mean activity concentrations for 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K were 5.34 BqL-1 +/- 1.1 BqL-1, 9.21 BqL-1 +/- 2.0 BqL-1, and 35.64 BqL-1 +/- 5.6 BqL-1 respectively. The estimated radiological risks for cancer mortality and morbidity for 226Ra and 228Ra in the drinking water samples were below the WHO set screening level of 10-3. The mean hazard quotient estimated for 226Ra was 9.7 mu gkg-1day-1. The total annual committed effective dose ranged from 5.27 x 10-2 mSvy-1 to 8.25 x 10-2 mSvy-1 with a mean of 6.87 x 10-2 mSvy-1 which was within the WHO set guidance level of 0.1 mSvy-1. Conclusion: The radiological quality of the water is within the individual dose criterion and may not pose a health risk. It is paramount to monitor the radiological quality of the groundwater to provide relevant information to protect public health.

This review compiles information on PCDD/F- and PCB-contaminated eggs from 20 years of global egg monitoring around emission sources in four continents conducted by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and Arnika as well as a compilation of data from scientific literature. IPEN monitored 127 pooled egg samples including samples from 113 chicken flocks at potential PCDD/F- and PCB-contaminated sites around priority sources listed in the Stockholm Convention (e.g. waste incinerators, metal industries, cement plants, and open burning). 99 (88%) of pooled egg samples were above the EU maximum limits for PCDD/Fs (2.5 pg PCDD/F-TEQ/g fat) or the sum of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (5 pg PCDD/F-PCB-TEQ/g fat). Children consuming such eggs exceed the tolerable weekly intake (TWI). This demonstrates that close to 90% of these areas were not safe for the production of free-range eggs. Sixteen out of the 113 egg samples (14%) were contaminated above 50 pg TEQ/g fat and exceeded the EU maximum limit more than 10 times. From the 26 pooled egg samples around incinerators 24 (92%) exceeded the limit with a mean of 43.1 pg TEQ/g fat (2.6–234 pg TEQ/g). All 21 egg samples around metal industries (4.4–112.6 pg TEQ/g fat) were above limits with mean concentration of 26.0 pg TEQ/g fat. Also all 7 egg samples measured at e-waste recycling sites were above limits (mean 308 pg TEQ/g fat). In 58 (51%) pooled egg samples the PCB-TEQ was above 5 pg TEQ/g fat exceeding the EU maximum limit with dioxin-like PCBs alone. This highlights the role of commercial PCBs for global contamination with dioxin-like compounds. It was discovered that around metal industries, shredder plants, open burning sites of e-waste and dump sites, a high share of contamination was caused by dl-PCBs. This clearly shows severe PCB release from the end-of-life management of PCB-containing equipment in developing countries. Also highly contaminated eggs were found at many sites where plastic was incinerated. The highest contaminated egg sample ever measured came from an e-waste site in Ghana and had 856 pg TEQ/g fat plus 300 pg TEQ from brominated dioxins (PBDD/Fs). Other extreme PCDD/F contaminations of eggs were found at a chlor-alkali site (514 pg TEQ/g fat), Agent Orange contaminated areas in Vietnam (490, 249 and 246 pg TEQ/g fat) and e-waste sites (568 and 520 pg TEQ/g fat). Where DR CALUX® bioassay revealed higher TEQ compared to measured PCDD/F-PCB-TEQ in IPEN studies, polybrominated PBDD/F were also measured and detected up to 300 pg TEQ/g fat at e-waste sites. One positive outcome from the IPEN studies is that all 10 pooled supermarket eggs in developing countries were below regulatory limit. Policy recommendations are made including: a systematic assessment of areas around PCDD/Fs and PCBs sources; measures for reduction of exposures of populations; urgent control of emission sources including PCB equipment, the open burning of plastic, and the use of plastic as fuel in boilers/incinerators in developing countries without air pollution control. Furthermore, soil limits need to be re-assessed and lowered for free-range poultry.

Background . Nurse turnover intention, defined as a measure of nurses’ desire to leave their positions, is a global public health issue with a grave impact on the healthcare workforce. However, literature on it is limited in sub-Saharan Africa, an at-risk region. This study aimed to determine the predictors of turnover intention among nursing staff at a tertiary hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods . This was an institution-basedcross-sectional study conducted among 226 randomly selected nurses and midwives working at a tertiary healthcare center in Kumasi, Ghana. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Significant predictors of turnover intention were analyzed by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value <0.05 was used. Results . The prevalence of turnover intention among study participants was 87.2% (197/226). About two-thirds (61.5%, 139/226) of the participants were exposed to a high level of workplace hazards. Management support (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.09–8.75), salary (AOR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.46), inadequate number of staff on duty per shift (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.08–10.47) and participants’ rank (AOR = 6.81, 95% CI = 1.18–39.16) were significantly associated with turnover intention. Conclusion . Overall, the turnover intention was high. Hence, there is a need for policymakers, health administrators, and nurse managers to implement strategies such as increasing staff strength, providing adequate support, incentives, and other forms of motivation for nurses and midwives to help reduce the rate of turnover intention.

Seaweed abundance and polysaccharide properties can vary spatially and temporarily, influenced by various environmental factors, although information on this is limited in many tropical coastal waters. In this study, the spatio-temporal variations in biomass and carrageenan yield of Hypnea musciformis in relation to environmental factors across three coastal sites in the Central and Western regions of Ghana were investigated. Seaweeds and seawater were sampled during low tide for the determination of biomass, physicochemical properties and carrageenan yield. Sampling was conducted using two (2) transect lines and quadrats (0.25 m2) at each site. The biomass of seaweed ranged from 1.46 at Mumford to 2.88 g dry wt m−2 at Shama, with Komenda recording the highest carrageenan yield of 23.35%. High biomass and carrageenan yield were observed in the dry season (November-March). Maximum dissolved oxygen and turbidity with low salinity concentrations were recorded in Shama. Multiple regression models revealed total alkalinity, phosphate, sulphate and dissolved oxygen as the major contributors to biomass whereas water temperature, salinity, ammonia, phosphate and fluoride were mainly responsible for carrageenan yield. Results from this study indicate substantial spatial and temporal variability in the biomass and carrageenan yield of H. musciformis across the study sites. These findings provide important baseline information on the suitable location and period for the cultivation of the seaweed in commercial quantities, as well as alternate source of livelihood for the local communities along the coast of Ghana.

Despite the fact that several cases of unsafe pesticide use among farmers in different parts of Africa have been documented, there is limited evidence regarding which specific interventions are effective in reducing pesticide exposure and associated risks to human health and ecology. The overall goal of the African Pesticide Intervention Project (APsent) study is to better understand ongoing research and public health activities related to interventions in Africa through the implementation of suitable target-specific situations or use contexts. A systematic review of the scientific literature on pesticide intervention studies with a focus on Africa was conducted. This was followed by a qualitative survey among stakeholders involved in pesticide research or management in the African region to learn about barriers to and promoters of successful interventions. The project was concluded with an international workshop in November 2021, where a broad range of topics relevant to occupational and environmental health risks were discussed such as acute poisoning, street pesticides, switching to alternatives, or disposal of empty pesticide containers. Key areas of improvement identified were training on pesticide usage techniques, research on the effectiveness of interventions targeted at exposure reduction and/or behavioral changes, awareness raising, implementation of adequate policies, and enforcement of regulations and processes.

This study investigated the effects of temperature on the development of the immature stages of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) mosquitoes.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the quantity and composition of waste generated on the African continent. This new phenomenon, coupled with the indiscriminate disposal of used personal protective equipment (PPEs), poses serious challenges to local authorities, most of whom have limited experience or lack the strategy to handle this occurrence. These PPEs, like the face masks, are made up of polymeric materials that are liquid resistant and remain for a long time in the environment after discard. Thus, they are considered as a significant source of plastic pollution in the environment. Notwithstanding the environmental challenges associated with COVID-19, if Africa is to be ready for the expected growth in waste generation and variation in waste composition in the coming century as predicted by the African waste management outlook report in 2018, she has to have a renewed focus and seize the unique opportunities that COVID-19 presents. The continent has to indulge in introspection of its shortfalls in managing waste and consciously make efforts that would ensure social and technological innovation and investment in services and infrastructure in the waste and secondary resources sector than never before seen in Africa. This approach would help the continent achieve its waste management vision of extending regular and reliable waste collection services to all while valorizing waste generated. This critical review paper reveals the silver lining in the dark cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic by highlighting some of the noticeable environmental challenges in Africa due to the current pandemic and elucidating the rare opportunities that African countries can harness to improve the waste management sector.

Coastal lagoons near shores of the marine environment are transitional zones that accumulate litter in transit to the oceans. In view of this, it is important that the dynamics of lagoon litter accumulation are well understood to inform waste control and sustainable management of the coastal environment. The present study assessed the spatio-temporal distribution of lagoon litter along the eastern coast of Ghana, taking a critical look at the abundance and diversity of lagoon litter. Five coastal lagoons were studied: the Kpeshie, Mukwei and Sakumo II lagoons (in urban locations) and the Gao and Keta lagoons (in non-urban locations). Site specific litter abundance (number of items) along the banks of the lagoons ranged between 842 and 8,243 items/month at a deposition rate of 0.71 items/m2/month. Plastic litter was by far the most abundant and diverse litter fraction. Generally, lagoons at urbanised areas of the coast were found to accumulate more litter than those located at non-urbanized areas. Other key factors that affected the accumulation of lagoon litter included proximity to communities, rainfall and the use of lagoons for recreational and religious activities. The results provided baseline data for lagoon waste management in the coastal environment in Ghana and other West African countries that share similar coastal characteristics.

Higher temperatures expected in a future warmer climate could adversely affect the growth and development of mosquitoes. This study investigated the effects of elevated temperatures on longevity, gonotrophic cycle length, biting rate, fecundity, and body size of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) eggs obtained from laboratory established colonies were reared under eight temperature regimes (25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40°C), and 80 ± 10% RH. All adults were allowed to feed on a 10% sugar solution soaked in cotton wool; however, some mosquitoes were provided blood meal using guinea pig. Longevity was estimated for both blood-fed and non-blood-fed mosquitoes and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to test the effect of temperature on gonotrophic cycle length, biting rate, and fecundity. Adult measurement data were log-transformed and analyzed using ordinary least square regression with robust standard errors. Increasing temperature significantly decreased the longevity of both blood-fed (Log-rank test; X2(4) = 904.15, P < 0.001) and non-blood-fed (Log-rank test; X2(4) = 1163.60, P < 0.001) mosquitoes. In addition, the fecundity of mosquitoes decreased significantly (ANOVA; F(2,57) = 3.46, P = 0.038) with an increase in temperature. Body size (β = 0.14, 95% CI, 0.16, 0.12, P < 0.001) and proboscis length (β = 0.13, 95% CI, 0.17, 0.09, P < 0.001) significantly decreased with increasing temperature from 25 to 34°C. Increased temperatures expected in a future warmer climate could cause some unexpected effects on mosquitoes by directly influencing population dynamics and malaria transmission.