Development and Application of Microbial Insecticides for Biological Control of Mosquito in

Gaza Strip

A PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY THE ISLAMIC

UNIVERSITY-GAZA

TO

Science & Technology Office

Islamic Development Bank Group

CONTACT DR. ABDELRAOUF A. ELMANAMA

elmanam_144@yahoo.comMedical technology departmentP.O Box 108, Gaza, Gaza StripPNA1. BREIF ANALYSIS1.1 PRESENT STATUS

Inhabitants of Gaza Strip are annually suffering from mosquito outbreaks during the summer and early fall seasons. This predominance of mosquitoes is mainly due to the availability of suitable site for their breeding. Stagnant water pools are ideal breeding sites. These pools can be formed from rain water runoff or from irrigation runoff.

The major breeding sites of mosquito in Gaza Strip are the inefficiently operated wastewater treatment plants, Wadi Gaza (Fig. 1) and open disposal of sewage. Other breeding sites include; standing water in water storage tanks, abandoned wells, opened sewerages, leakage from damaged water distribution systems, stagnant water located in animals watering baths, wet agricultural soil, collected water in trash like jars, cans, bottles and tires, accumulated water after plant irrigation, water accumulated at the roofs of buildings, leaky faucets and irrigation ponds. Due to the poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, these breeding sites of mosquito are abundant in Gaza Strip, which are further contribute to mosquito's outbreaks. A 42 species of mosquitoes including Culex pipiens and C. univittatus were identified in Palestine.

2

Fig. 1 Photographs illustrating standing water in Wadi Gaza.

Mosquitoes are primarily an annoyance, causing human pain, discomfort, and stress. The major concern however, is the fact that they are vectors of important human and animal diseases.

The currently practiced methods for mosquito control in Gaza include; direct application of oil and insecticides onto water bodies or open burning of adult mosquitoes. Although chemical insecticides have generally been efficacious, their production costs are high and they present environmental concerns. For example, because of their mode of action, they can cause many ecological problems by destroying harmful and harmless and even useful insects. Insecticides contaminate the soil and may end up in groundwater and thus lead to health problems. Additionally, many insecticides are no longer effective due to mosquitoes acquired resistance.

Obviously, there is an urgent need to encourage the development and implementation of cost-effective, environmentally sound alternatives to the currently employed practices for mosquito control.

This year Gaza Strip suffered from shortage of fuel and almost all basic stuff due to the siege imposed by the Israeli forces. One of the consequences of the siege is the lack of the chemical used to eradicate mosquitoes. Instead, most concerned localities were able to purchase Bacillus thuringiensis BT) and used it for the first time as biological insecticides for mosquito control. Since 1981, BTI has become the leading biopesticide in routine control programmes against mosquitoes. It has attracted industry to use it worldwide as an effective weapon against agricultural pests and insect vectors of human diseases. BT are

3

sold in a variety of formulation (liquid, granule or briquette) under a wide variety of trade names such as: Mosquito Dunks®, VectoBac™, Aquabac™, Bti Briquets™. Worldwide sales of BT dwarf those of any other biopesticide product. Annual sales in the early 1990s were estimated at $100 million, accounting for l-2% of the global insecticide market.

A local production of BT seems appropriate solution for this issue, especially from cheap local raw materials. This project proposal focuses on production of BT from potatoes and chicken feather (both are available locally).

1.2 BT as bio-pesticideThe use of BTI as biological insecticides has resulted in a valuable option to chemical insecticides. BT is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium, producing at least four major protein toxins that are confined to a crystalliferous inclusion body. These toxins have been shown to be highly effective against a wide variety of mosquito species in different climatic. It has been also shown that BT strains can be very specific in their lethal activity against different insect pests while being harmless to mammals, birds or beneficial insects. In addition, food products treated with this insecticide are safe for human or animal consumption. The BT insecticide is also biodegradable and will not accumulate in the environment or cause pollution problems. Accordingly, increasing attention is directed to BT as a viable alternative to chemical pesticides.

1.3 Requirements for Successful Production of BTLike other microorganisms BT needs a culture media with the following ingredients for growth, reproduction and spore formation: water, a carbon source for biosynthesis and energy, a nitrogen source, mineral elements and other optimal growing factors. Most strains of BT grow best at 30°C under vigorous aeration and a pH level between 6.8 and 7.2.

4

Fig. 2: The development stages of Bacillus thuringiensis

1.4 Commercial production of BT and economical impact

One of the keys to successful commercialization of BT insecticides is the development of an adequate culture medium. When cultured in appropriate media, vegetative cells sporulate and lyse, releasing spores and parasporal crystals into the medium (Fig. 2).

5

Current industrial production of BT is conducted by batch liquid fermentation process or submerged fermentation in which the cultures grow dispersed by air in synthetic liquid media at controlled pH and temperature. After harvest, the product is concentrated and either dried or stabilized as a liquid suspension using different preservatives such as sorbitol, sodium benzoate, xylol, etc. , to avoid further growth and germination of the spores.

1.5 Limitation of the industrial production of BT

Although different synthetic culture media for industrial production of BT are proposed for use, their high cost limits their use for the commercial production especially in developing countries. There is therefore a need for an alternative, inexpensive media which will overcome the above-mentioned limitation.

1.6 Proposed ingredients for cheap growth media

Various efforts have been made to evolve efficacious yet media. For example the following ingredients have been suggested in order to reduce the cost of the media for the commercial production of BT bio-insecticides: cheese whey, corn steep liquor, sorter liquor, cotton seed meal, wheat bran, extracts of potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes, cassava starch, maize, cowpea liquor, fodder yeast, fish meal, cotton seed meal, horse beans, wheat bran, citrus peels seeds of dates, waste products of the coconut oil industrial processes, the by-products of monosodium glutamate production, the cow blood dehusked greengram powder, defatted soybean powder, soluble starch and cane sugar molasses, and bird feather extract.

These ingredients are generally added to synthetic media comprising water, glucose, yeast extract and a plethora of growth enhancing additives such as nitrogen sources, protein sources usually in the form of leguminous seeds, such as peanuts, chick peas, lima beans, horse beans, kidney beans and soya beans, mineral salts such as CaCO3, NaCl, K2HPO4., MgSO4, CaCl2, FeSO4 and CuSO4 and small amounts of some amino acids. Initial results of an unpublished research performed at the Islamic University, showed promising results fron cheap locllay available materials (Chicken feathers and potato extracts). Accordingly, this project proposal focuses on the economic production of BT by using inexpensive available materials, composed mainly of agro-industrial by-products.

2. The Project

2.1 Project summary

This project focuses mainly on the control of mosquitoes in Gaza strip using

the biopesticide Bacillus thuringenesis as an alternative for chemical control.

6

The activities of this work will include; the isolation of a local strain of BT in

parallel with commercially available BT; optimizing cultural and

environmental parameters. Testing and comparing the efficacy of both local

and commercial strain will also be evaluated in the laboratory and in the field.

The ultimate objective of this project is to commercially produce BT using

locally available raw materials (Chicken feathers and Potato). This will allow

safer and readily available mean for mosquitoes control.

2.2 Objectives and scope

The aim of this project is to reduce the potential threat of disease transmitted by mosquito. The main objectives of this study include the following:

1- To produce BT by a simple and effective process in order to obtain

an active locally-produced biological control agent.

There are two main advantages in promoting development of local production facilities: (1) Stability: locally produced microbial insecticides avoid lengthy shipping periods and long storage at variable temperatures before the product reaches the consumer.(2) Formulations: local production provides material for formulations suitable for local environmental conditions

2- To reduce costs of BT production by using inexpensive available

materials which make BT useful not only for small scale application

but for large-scale commercialization.

3- To optimize the culture conditions to give high cell yield, high

crystal protein concentration and high toxicity.

4- To encourage the application of microbial control in environmentally

sensitive habitats (Wadi Gaza) to improve habitats for fish and

wildlife.

5- To get mosquito control workers and the community acquainted with

the basic aspects of biological control through preparation of an

educational guide on the biological control of mosquitoes.

6- To enhance the environmental awareness of official institutions and

7

the public with regard to biological control.

7- To develop the scientific and technical capability of local research

institutions in conducting studies in the field of biological control.

8- To increase the public awareness concerning the areas where

mosquitoes are likely to breed which can significantly reduce the

mosquito's population.

To reduce mosquito-induced discomfort, annoyance, and distraction

experienced by personnel

2.2 Scope

Local research is essential in order to implement and develop microbial

insecticides for mosquito control. This requires laboratory and field scale

studies for testing the efficacy of microbial larvicides under the prevalent

environmental conditions. Protocols must be developed, standardized,

documented and disseminated for the optimum use of microbial insecticides.

The availability of qualified personnel and research laboratories will contribute

to the success of the project.

Implementation and development of microbial insecticides for control of

mosquitoes will directly benefit humans and the environment. Use of microbial

insecticides will significantly lessen the use of chemical insecticides and

therein reduce potential health hazards to humans and wildlife, and pollution of

soil and groundwater.

This project proposal suggests that mosquito biological control strategy should

be given a high priority and support. The proposed activities will contribute

significantly to the application and development, for the first time in Gaza

Strip, of biological control for the noxious mosquitoes.

8

The proposed study is expected to: 1. Support the local organizations in the field of biological control through providing

them with results on the efficacy of using bacteria on controlling mosquito populations.

2. Produce educational guide on biological control of mosquitoes by the use of bacteria and other means.

3. Disseminate knowledge and information gained in the field of mosquito biological control through the media.

4. Develop the scientific and technical capability of Environmental & Rural Research Center in conducting studies in the field of biological control.

2.3 Project Location

2.3.1 Geographical location

Gaza strip is a narrow piece of land lying in the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its position on the cross roads from Africa to Asia made it a target for occupiers and conquerors over the centuries. The last of these was Israel who occupied the Gaza strip from Egyptians in 1967. The Gaza Strip is situated in the south part of historical Palestine and southeast of the Mediterranean. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) has gained a political control Gaza Strip and the West bank as a result of the Oslo agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation organization. This report will only deal with the Gaza Strip coastal area (the only coastal area controlled by the PNA). The map is showing the major governorate of the Gaza Strip. During the British Mandate Period, the area that is presently called Gaza Governorates was formerly part of the Gaza Sub-District of Palestine. It was one of its 18 sub-districts and it includes three towns: Gaza, Khan-Yunis and Majdal, and 54 villages. The area was 1111.5 km2 of which 49.3 km2 were Jewish owned. Gaza with its present area of about 365 km2, and its present borders and delimiting lines, first came into existence 50 years ago in 1948, after the first Israeli-Arab war.Geographically, Gaza is part of the Palestinian coastal plain in Southwest Palestine, where it forms a long narrow rectangle. Its length is approximately

9

Fig. 3: Gaza Strip coastal area map

42 km2; and its width 5.7 kilometers in the Northern section, attaining a maximum, of 12 kilometers at the Southern end.

2.3.1 Demography

It is one of the most densely populated places on earth. Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians live in an area of 365Km. Political developments and economical situation in the region strongly influenced the growth and distribution of population in the Governorates. Gaza Strip have a very young population in comparison to other countries, 50.2 % of the population is 15 years. As much as 21% of the Gaza citizens are 4 years or younger. In addition, Gaza Governorates have an average of nearly 9 persons per household. Moreover, they have a higher average number of children per adult household members in comparison with West Bank and East Jerusalem.

2.3.2 Topography

Elongated ridges and depressions, dry streambeds and shifting sand dunes, characterize Gaza topography. The ridges and depressions generally extend in a NNE- SSW direction, parallel to the coastline. They are narrow and consist primarily of 'Kurkar' sandstone. In the south, these features tend to be covered by sand dunes. Land surface elevations range from mean sea level (msl) to about 10 meters above mean sea level (msl). The ridges and depressions show considerable vertical relief, in some places up to 60m. Surface elevations of individual ridges range between 20m and 90m above msl. The major topographic depressions, filled with alluvial sediments, collect considerable quantities of storm-water. Flooding is common in Rafah and Gaza City during the wet season.

The parallel, Kurkar ridges have been dissected by Wadi Gaza, the largest surface water feature in Gaza. It rarely flows due to numerous water diversion and storage projects upstream in Israel. However, it has historically cut an incised valley with river terraces to the sea. There are two other wadis in Gaza: Wadi Silka near Khan Younis (a fossil river and now a dry wash) and Wadi Halib near Beit Hanoun (a tributary of the much larger Nahal Shiqma (Israeli terminology) that drains to the sea just north of Gaza.

Gaza is essentially a foreshore plain gradually sloping westwards. The quaternary rocks are visible as Kurkar ridges go South West-North East. The ridges have an increasing height towards the east, from 20 m to 100 m above sea level. Among these ridges there are 20-40m deep depressions filled with soils. This geomorphologic shape continues to the west in to the Sinai Desert, and to North East to Magdal. Among different quaternary soil deposits, the sand dunes are of special interest. They are formed by wind (eolic), and located along the seashore. Their main distribution is in the South and the North. Sand is extensively quarried for construction purposes, e.g. for local use and export to Israel. The quarrying is an encroachment both on the landscape and the geomorphologic history of Gaza.

10

2.4 Utilities

The IUG has been established a number of research units and centers in different fields. The Environmental and Rural Research Center (ERRC and Environmental and Earth Science Department (EESD) have been established in 1991 as a part of the IUG program to contribute in developing the environmental research studies and to serve the Palestinian community with graduate a highly qualified persons in this vital and very important field that can contribute in solving the environmental problems and developing the country.

The IUG has a good infrastructure (water, power, networks and e- communication……) to carry out the planned activities of the project (See annexes)

2.5 Environmental Impacts

The project originally is oriented mainly to protect the human health and marine environment. The overall impact will be positive in the different environmental issue in local and regional levels. In addition, all previously reported literature on the use and application of BT as a biocontrol agent for mosquitoes proved that it is safe because it is specific and has no harmful effects on health and environment.

2.6 PROJECT COST ESTIMATE

The following tables summarized the different cost estimates of the project:

1- FINANCIAL SUMMARY:

BUDGET LINE Amount in $US

1 Direct Personal costs (Local) 1276002 Travel and subsistence expenses 27,2003 External assistance 10,0004 Equipment 87,8505 Consumables 19,5006 Results reporting 5,5007 Other Program Supporting Costs 56,000Total 333,650

BUDGET LINE 1:DIRECT PERSONNEL COSTS FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION (LOCAL)

Professionalcategory

Numberof persons

Monthlyrate

Numberof Months

Totalamount

Project Team leader 1 1200 24 28,800Senior technical manager 1 1200 24 28,800

11

Technician workers (Graduate Students)

5 400 1224,000

Intermediate technical level staff

3 700 1225,200

Engineers 2 1000 5 10,000Other [Secretary] 1 450 24 10,800Total 127600

BUDGET LINE 2:TRAVEL & SUBSISTENCE COSTSItems amount $USA. Travel in the project area, Site Visits, Sampling, ....

- Transportation15,000

B. Mission Outside the project area - travel 10 trips X 700 $US- subsistence (40 days X 130 $US )

7,0005,200

Total 27,200

BUDGET LINE 3:EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE Aimof assistance

Professionalcategory

Dailyfees, $US

Numbersof days

Amount

Human resources development

Coordination /

institution building & Technical assessment

Training

Capacity building dissemination, training manual preparation

200

200

25

25

5,000

5,000

Total 10,000

BUDGET LINE 4:DURABLE EQUIPMENT category Item amountA.

- computers (hardware, software)

- 2 personal computers - Color printer

2,500350

sub-total 2850B. Equipment:

Equipment are important to carry out the field and laboratory work.

IncubatorShakerpH meterAutoclaveSpray pumps

45000

12

Prototype (locally designed bioreactor)

Storage tanks40,000

sub-total 85,000Total 87,850

BUDGET LINE 5:CONSUMABLES Description amount1- Glassware for laboratory work 3,0002- Tools for sampling process 5,5003- Chemicals, Microbiological media, Membrane filters, Filter papers and …. etc.

7,000

4- Stationary 4,000TOTAL 19,500

BUDGET LINE 6:DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE & PUBLICATIONSDescription Amount $US

1. Video Camera 2,5002. Digital camera 5003. Reports 2,500

  TOTAL 5,500

BUDGET LINE 7:OTHER PROGRAM SUPPORTIN CODTS Item amount• Administrative support 20.000• Laboratory fees 8.000• Project execution place 10,000• Seminar holes rental 6.000• Communications ( Tel. Fax, Internet e-mail ..) 8.000• Miscellaneous (electricity, water …..) 4.000TOTAL 56.000

2.7. Implementation Capability of IUG

The attached annexes show the IUG profile, the Environmental and Earth Science Dept. and the Environmental and rural research center in addition to the C.Vs of the key persons of the project implementation. The Project activities will be implemented manly by the Faculty of Science, the Environmental and Earth Science Dept. and the Environmental and rural research center. Both departments have a good infrastructure and laboratory facilities.

13

1- Annex I: IUG Profile - The Islamic University of Gaza - Facts and Figures

2- Annex II: Environmental and rural research center AND RURAL RESEARCH CENTER

3- Annex II: CVs of key persons

2.8 Project ImplementationThis study will be carried out over two years. Due to the time limitation restricted by

the breeding seasons of mosquitoes, the study should commence as soon as possible

2.8.1 Detailed implementation schedule

One of the general policies of the Islamic University is to link the education

programs with community and local issues. The direct involvement of the

university students in planed projects will strengthen the cooperation among

the different institutions. In our case, the project will help in developing the

human capacity in the practical field through giving a good chance for the

graduate students to couple theory and practice. In the same time, it will lead to

make them in a close relation with local environmental problems.

The project will be conducted according to work plan which will include;

Identification of mosquito species prevalent in Wadi Gaza, sampling and

counting of the mosquito population in Wadi Gaza, testing the efficacy of

commercially available formulations of B. thuringiensis both laboratory and

field scales, Isolation of local B. thuringiensis, testing the efficacy of local

isolates on mosquitoes, design and construction of bioreactor, optimization the

culture condition, large-scale production of BT, field application data

processing, analysis and reporting, and finally dissemination of finding

(Workshop).

14

This plan, however, is tentative and preliminary outline of the proposed work.

During the implementation phase a refinement process may be adopted to

ensure the achievement of the objectives drafted above.

15

Time schedule and implementation plan:

c/n

Description of activity Time schedule in months (2008-2010)M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 M16 M17 M18 M19 M20 M21 M22 M23 M24

1 Literature survey of BT (biology and production methods)

2 Isolation of local bacteria

3 Optimization the cultural condition.

4 Workshop (1) *5 First Interim Report O

6 Testing efficacy of commercial bacteria & local isolates

7 Sampling/counting/identification of mosquito species

8 Workshop (2) *9 Second Interim Report O

10 Bioreactor design and construction.

11 Large-scale production of BTI

12 Field application

13 Data processing, analysis & reporting

14 Educational guide preparation

15 Final Workshop *16 Final Report O

16

The project will be conducted with close cooperation with the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority (EQA) and Local Authorities. The results and data of the study will be available for all the concerned and interested local organizations.

In the same time, the study will be implemented with full involvement of the students of the Environmental and Earth Science Department - Faculty of Science at the Islamic University. It will be a good opportunity for the students to conduct the graduate theses in a practical way. This will also improve their fieldwork ability and develop their skills.

Disbursement Projections from IDBNo. Time Amount in $US %

I Start of the project 133,460 40II After first interim Report 100,095 30III After Second interim Report 66,730 20IV After final Report 33,365 10Total 333,650 100

17

Annex I:

IUG Profile - The Islamic University of Gaza - Facts and Figures

18

The Islamic University of GazaFacts and Figures

INTRODUCTION:The Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) – Palestine was established in 1978 to serve the needs of the Palestinian society in general and the needs of the local community of the Gaza Strip in particular by offering programs which enhanced the progress of this developing country. The IUG is an independent Palestinian institution located in Gaza without being influenced by the views of any political party. It is the first higher education institution to be established in Gaza. The University began with three faculties in 1978 and currently has nine faculties awarding BA. B.Sc., MA, M.Sc., Diploma and higher diploma in a variety of disciplines. IUG is open to human thoughts and culture, and copes with scientific and technological development. Many IUG graduates obtained master and doctorate degrees from international universities all over the world. IUG has developed several academic links and signed several agreements of academic cooperation with international universities. It has also conducted several projects in collaboration with local and international organizations and institutions situated in Palestine and abroad.

The IUG has been established a number of research units and centers in different fields. The Environmental and Rural Research Center (ERRC and Environmental and Earth Science Department (EESD) have been established in 1991 as a part of the IUG program to contribute in developing the environmental research studies and to serve the Palestinian community with graduate a highly qualified persons in this vital and very important field that can contribute in solving the environmental problems and developing the country. The ERR-center and EES-Department have developed co-operative relations with many external and international organization through academic and research programs.

LEGAL STATUS OF IUG:IUG is supervised by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and the university is a member of many associations including: International Association of Universities, Community of Mediterranean Universities, Association of Arab Universities and Association of Islamic Universities.

IUG MISSION Provide high quality education to Palestinian students, particularly those living

in Gaza Strip. Encourage academic and scientific researches which participate in dealing with

various challenges facing Palestinians. Offer courses and degree and non-degree programs that meet the arising needs

of the local community in Gaza Strip. Promote knowledge and professional skills among Palestinians and in the region. Reinforcing cultural and scientific relations with other universities and institutions.

STRATEGIC PLANS

19

After the peace agreement between the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israeli Government in 1993, the IUG tried to develop the education direction towards postgraduate studies to serve the development process in the local community. Recently, the IUG is incorporating strategic planning as a new direction to enhance its management activates and prepared a strategic plan for the years 2005 – 2010. The plan has been approved and is currently under implementation. The main static goals highlighted by the plan are:

Enforcing and developing it’s under- and postgraduate programs Enhancement of knowledge and development of science so as to become

a prominent local and regional Enhance its role in developing the community through its active

involvement in sensing the needs of community and genuinely responding to these needs by building its capacity.

Improve and advance its institution management through developing its institutional polices

To achieve these goals, the University adopts the following principals: Promoting academic cooperation with local and foreign institutions in many fields. Developing the use of IT in teaching and designing distance learning courses. Enhancing the quality of education in terms of upgrading instructors, updating

curricula, improving teaching-learning facilities.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURETo achieve the above-mentioned purposes effectively and efficiently, IUG is supervised and run by several bodies: Board of Trustees, Academic Council, Faculty Councils, and Department Councils. These bodies are responsible for planning and administering the entire activities in the university.

IUG STAFFThe academic staff at IUG for the academic year 2005/2006 is about 400 full-timers and around 100 part-timers distributed as given in the following table.Students can register from 12 - 20 credit hours each semester. The average fees at The IUG are $300 - $600 per semester depending on the faculty and number of credit hours registered.

Exemption from tuition feesAccording to extensive investigations by the Office of Social Affairs at IUG, needy students may be exempted from tuition fees or given loans. The most distinguished students are also granted partial scholarships.

Relevant faculties

Faculty of Engineering A) Civil Engineering B) Architectural EngineeringC) Electrical; Control and Communications

20

D) Computer EngineeringE) Industrial Engineering

Faculty of Science: A) Physics B) Chemistry C) Biology D) Mathematics E) Medical TechnologyF) Mathematics and StatisticsG) Mathematics and Computer H) Environmental & Earth SciencesI) Optometry

II- Postgraduate ProgramsIUG offers the following:

1. General Diploma in Education.2. Higher Diploma in Education.3. M Ed in Curricula Design.4. M Ed in Foundations of Education & Psychology.5. M. Sc. In Mathematics.6. M Sc. in Physics.7. M Sc in Microbiology8. M Sc in Botany & Mycology9. M Sc in Medical Technology10. M Sc in Zoology11. M. A. in Comparative Jurisprudence.12. M. A. in Hadith & Quran Interpretation.13. Master degree in Civil Engineering.14. Master degree in Electrical Engineering.15. M. A. in History.16. M. A. in Arabic.17. MBA (Master of Business Administration)18. M.Sc in Accounting & Finance

1.2 IUG COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTERS & UNITSTo strengthen the university role in serving the needs of the Palestinian community professionally, IUG established the following units and centers:

1. Resource Development Unit.2. Business Research Unit3. Environmental and Rural Research Unit4. Material and Soil Laboratory5. Measurement, Communication, and Microwave Labs6. Food Analysis Center7. Medical Technology Laboratories.8. Computer Laboratories.9. Community Services & Continuing Education Deanery

21

10. Journalism Laboratories.11. Out - Patient Clinic and Dentistry12. Multi-media center.13. Administration of Information Technology14. Architectural Heritage Center

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DEANERYScientific Research is the right way towards civilization and human development; consequently, developed nations have paid a lot of attention to scientific related to all aspects of life. By doing so, these nations have liberated themselves from backwardness and overcome all the obstacles on the path of development. Since its establishment, the IUG has paid a lot of attention to scientific and academic research because the University has realized its significance and great role. Therefore, the University has established a separate deanery whose main interest is scientific and academic research. Contributions of Scientific Research Deanery: In its pursuit to enhance scientific and academic research not only in the IUG, but

in all Palestine as well, the Deanery of Scientific Research has made available the appropriate means for achieving its goals.

In this way, the Deanery aims at transferring these goals from theory into practice; these means are as follows.

Issuing a biannual refereed journal which comprises a number of scientific and social studies. The journal has issued dozens of researches and studies in all fields. The deanery is in charge of publishing and distributing the journal to national, Arab and International institutions.

Sending and following up papers and studies of some academic staff for the purpose of promotion.

Publishing a number of periodicals, leaflet and academic book, especially those forwarded to the Arabic language Conference.

Publishing special issues: long publications which because of their length, do not fit into the Journal.

Reviving the principle of fulltime paid research leave for academic staff.

THE CENTRAL LIBRARY

The IUG Library has opened its doors for the Gazan public starting from the academic year 1994. They are free to come for study and borrowing from 3 p.m. till 8 p.m. during the University working hours. Thus, the University is participating in the development of Palestinian community on civilized foundations that guarantee promotion of thought and culture. It offers chances for study and research in all domains of learning for the external public in the community.

22

Annex II:

The Environmental and Rural Research centerFaculty of Science

23

ENVIRONMENTAL AND EARTH SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AND

ENVIRONMENTAL AND RURAL RESEARCH CENTERINRTODUCTION:IUG has been established a number of research units and centers in different fields. The Environmental and Rural Research Center (ERRC) and Environmental and Earth Science Department (EESD) have been established in 1991 as a part of the IUG program to contribute in developing the environmental research studies and to serve the Palestinian community with graduate a highly qualified persons in this vital and very important field that can contribute in solving the environmental problems and developing the country. The lack of environmental & geological studies in Palestine makes the establishment of EESD/ERRC as one of the top priorities of the IUG policy.The ERR-center and EES-Department have developed co-operative relations with many external and international organization through academic and research programs (UNDP, UNRWA, British Council, EU-Programs {Med Campus, Life and INCO-MED}, Norwegian Institute for water research and others). Since 1991 up to day, the IUG conducted several projects and programs in the fields of environment.OBJECTIVES:The main objectives for the establishment of the ERRC/ EESD are:1. Developing environmental and rural researches related to the area.2. Providing the society with the specialists in this field3. Offering consultancies in agriculture, soil analysis, food industry, geotechnical

problems and environment. 4. Diagnosing and specifying the environmental pollution problems.5. Encourage the academic research.6. Cooperate with governmental and non- governmental institutions in solving

environmental problems and to improve the quality of the local and global environment.7. Serve the local community through conducting various environmental projects,

and gives recommendations and professional consultations that cover a wide spectrum of the environmental practice.

8. Holding courses and seminars in environmental management and protection, in addition to issuing publications on local environment and environmental problems.

9. Serving researches in the environmental field through the laboratory of the center.

INTERESTING AREAS:The most interesting areas of the ERRC can be classified into the main following areas:

A: Researches & Studies:The main research areas of the department and center are:

1- Waste water treatment and reuse.

2- Drinking water treatment.3- Pollution in the agricultural

sector.4- Air pollution and overcoming

methods.5- Integrated management of solid

waste.6- Environment and public health.

7- Marine environment and pollution of beaches.

8- Coastal shore protection.9- Climatic changes.10-Biodiversity.11-Urban planning.12-Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA).13- The monitoring to assess the

long-term impact on water, soil and public health.

24

14-Soil analysis.15-Hydrology and Geotechnical.

16-Environmental Geophysical research.

B: Public service:The center helps in preparing and implementing of quality control programs and making different projects and analyses for many national and international organizations working in our country. The following Palestinian national ministers and organization are implementing our center analysis:

1. Ministry of Agriculture.2. Ministry of Work.3. Ministry of Health.4. Ministry of Housing

5. Palestinian Water Authority (PWA)

6. Environmental Quality Authority7. Local Municipalities.

The center has developed co-operative relations with many external and international organization and environmental institution through the academic and research programs and the most important organizations are:Kassel University- German, Middlesex University- U.K, UNDP, UNRWA, EU, British Council, Farnborough College of Technology in U.K, ONEP- MoroccoC: Training courses: The center is preparing and assisting in different training programs in order to improve the efficiency of Palestinian professions, many of these courses were conducted:

1. “Water and Environment” for engineers in Gaza Strip, in co-operation with Beir Zeit University and (IHE) Dutch organization.

2. “Water and Sanitation Course” in co-operation with (CDG).3. “Training Programs” in co-operation with British Council which included:

Environmental Toxicity Course. 4. Sea Water Pollution Course. 5. Quality Control for Food.

There are many proposed programs in the field of environmental awareness and education.ADMINSTRATION AND STAFF MEMBERS OF ERRC:The ERRC is considered as a part of the Faculty of Science at the Islamic University of Gaza. It is directed by a group of University professors from the Faculty of Science in all the fields of environmental branches and run by highly qualified and experienced team of professors, engineers and skillful technicians.

LIST OF ERRC LABRATORIES:The main laboratories of the ERRC are listed below. Laboratories of the Faculty of Science, especially the medical, biology, chemistry and environmental & earth science labs are used in addition to soil & material lab in the Faculty of Engineering:

Drinking water lab. Waste water lab. Virology& Microbiology lab. Food analysis lab. Soil analysis lab. Geophysics lab

25

SELECTED CONDUCTED PROJECTS:Since 1991 where ERRC has been establishes up to day, the ERRC conducted several projects and training courses in the fields of environment. Bellow is a list of the major projects that conducted by our center and a brief description: 1- Project title: “Accommodation of natural methods for waste water treatment in Gaza Strip- Quality control of drinking and used water” in the period from 1992 to 1993.The project was funded from EU through Med-Campus program. The project partners were Kassel University – Germany and Middlesex University- U.K2- Training program for engineering working in the wastewater sector (1993). Through this program about 20 engineers from sanitary department of different Gaza Strip Municipalities were trained for sampling, biological/chemical analysis and results presentation and interpretation. The program includes filed and laboratory work. The program was supported and conducted with full cooperation of IHE – Delft (Netherlands) and Beir Zeit University in West Bank.

3- Project: Determination of wastewater characteristics in Rafah wastewater treatment plan (1994-1995): The work was conducted with full cooperation of Rafah Municipality and the EU- Irish Consultant DEVCO Company and financed through the EU. The main objective of the work was determination of wastewater characteristics in Rafah for design of the Rafah Wastewater Treatment Plant. 4- Project: Determination of wastewater reuse potential in northern Gaza (Beit Lahiya wastewater treatment) (1995-1996): The work was conducted with full cooperation of Beit Lahiya Municipality and the UNDP. The main objective of the work was determination of wastewater characteristics in Beit Lahiya for reuse of effluent in agriculture.5- Three years training program (1995-1997) in water and wastewater sector: The program was financed from Germany Government through Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft (CDG)- Germany. Many professional national and international institutions and individual participated as trainers in the program and more than 150 Palestinian - as trainees - from different governmental and NGOs organization benefit from the program.6- Project : Determination of wastewater characteristics of Northern Gaza wastewater treatment plan (1996-1997): The work was conducted with full cooperation with local Palestinian group (TEAM) and Swedish Company. The project was financed through the Swedish Government. The main objective of the work was determination of wastewater characteristics in Northern Gaza wastewater treatment plant for redesign of existing Wastewater Treatment Plant.7- Project title : Sea Water and Beach Quality Assessment- Gaza Strip- Monitoring of Beach Quality (1998- 2001): This Program was implemented in three phases based on the financial resource. The program was started with the Netherlands representative office in 1997 and followed by Norwegian Representative in Palestine. The last phase was funded through AGFUND

(Arabian Gulf Fund) with cooperation of The United Nation University (UNU), International Network on Water Environment and Health (INWEH).Objectives of the project: To outline the safety measures to the local authorities to ensure the safety

and attractiveness of the Gaza beach as a resort area and tourist feature. To provide the local authorities with dates and information about the long-

term impact of sewage on the sea water quality and fishing. To develop of the human skills of under- and graduate students in the

Environmental & Earth science Department through the positive participation in conducting the research studies.

Developing of scientific and technical capability of the Environmental and Rural Research Centre in conducting studies to serve the local needs.

Project activities:o Field worko Training of the ERRC staffo Laboratory testingo Data processingo Public awareness programs. o Capacity building for undergraduate students (Training program

development).o Disseminating results (poster, leaflets design and production,

workshop, reports).

8- Project title: Policy Guidelines for Sustainable Wastewater Management in the Gaza Strip (2000-2002). The project was supported by: EC (Life Third Countries Program-European Commission with cooperation of Germany (CDG) and Morocco (ONEP) partners. Project objectives:The objective of this project is to develop and to set up waste management guidelines and proposals on effluent and reuse standards. This shall be undertaken by means of different activities. According to this proposal the responsible Palestinian authorities will be able to set up their wastewater policy which later on can be adapted and developed to be used in other countries in the region.Main Activities:

Data collection of all existing documents concerning the water quality / quantity

Training on Sampling Techniques and Analyses - Gaza Start to Implement the Monitoring program Workshop to be held in Gaza – Presentation and discussion of the

results with all partners Theoretical work about different effluent and reuse standards from

developing local standard Training in wastewater standards and technology - Morocco Workshop to be held in Gaza – Presentation and discussion of the

results of phase 2 with all partners. Workshop: to discuss the results of the proposals with representatives

of Palestinian water and environment institutions and experts in the Production of the policy

Final Workshop and results Dissemination

Project title: Sustainable Water Management in Mediterranean Coastal Aquifers: Recharge Assessment and Modeling (SWIMED) 2003-2005 IUG participates in SWIMED project that carried out by academic institutions and universities from Spain, Cyprus, Italy, France, Switzerland, Tunisia, Morocco and Palestine. The duration of the project is 36 months starting from January the 1st 2003. The Project is funded through the European Community, INCO – MED Program.The main objectives of the project are: Development of an integrated approach coupling models to GIS,

optimisation aspects while considering effects of artificial recharge and seawater intrusion for sustainable water resources management in coastal groundwater systems,

Determination of the optimal conditions for artificial recharge and aquifer water management under seawater intrusion stress; Gaza area selected to be one site form six sites in coastal Mediterranean areas for the model application.

Strengthening scientific and technological co-operation of the partner institutions in north and south Mediterranean countries, and research capacity building.

A special web site, http://www.crs4.it/EIS/SWIMED/menu/index.html has been constructed to present all findings of the project.10- Project title: Improve the quality of potable water used by the government elementary schools in Gaza Strip.Funded by : USAID (Through RAFEED)Duration time: 2003-2004The program objective was to provide the elementary schools in Gaza City with health cline water to save and protect the school children health.

Annex II:

BRIEF CURRICULUM VITAE OF KEY PERSON

 Curriculum Vita                   Abdelraouf A. Elmanama (Ph. D)Web page: http://www.iugaza.edu/emp/elmanamahttp://elmanama143.googlepages.com/ 

Name Abdelraouf A. Elmanama Nationality PalestinianProfession Microbiologist Place of

BirthMaghazi, Gaza

Employer Islamic University-Gaza Date of Birth

1967

Research interests

Medical, food and environmental microbiology, Public Health

Marital Status

Married

Correspondence Address

Medical Technology Dept., College of Science, Islamic University-Gaza, P.O. Box 108, Gaza Strip, Palestine

   

  elmanama@mail.iugaza.edu    Community Service

Al-Maghazi municipality elected board memberAl-Wosta medical center (benevolent) Supervisor and consultant 

  Education 

 1986- 1990 Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, Southwestern University,  Philippines

1990-1993 Master of Science in Microbiology University of Santo Tomas,  Philippines2001-2004 Ph. D. microbiology in Al-Aqsa and Ain-Shams University joint program  

Employment  1993-1994 Research assistant at the Islamic University1994 - present Lecturer at the Medical Technology

Department, Islamic University-Gaza1998 - 2001 Medical laboratory Director. Gaza Diagnostic Center2004 - 2006 Part time lecturer of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology,  Al-Azhar

College of Medicine2004 - present Advanced microbiology and clinical microbiology lecturer in the

Master of Science in Biological Sciences Master Program2005-2006 Medical Technology Department Head2007 - present Assistant Dean, faculty of science

 Experience

 Research assistant in Dairy products safety testing at the IUG (1993-1994)Head of Food Microbiology section in the Food Analysis Center at IUG. 1995Training course in Food Safety; Sponsored by: BRITISH COUNCIL; Location: GAZA; Date: Sep. 1995 (Co-trainer)Training course in Food Safety; Sponsored by: BRITISH COUNCIL; Location: GAZA; Date: Jan. 1996 (Co-trainer)Training course in Food Safety; Sponsored by: USAID; Location: GAZA; Date: MAY 1997Training course in Food Safety; Sponsored by: BRITISH COUNCIL Location: GAZA   Date: JUNE 1995 (Co-trainer).Assisted in establishing a microbiology laboratory at Dar-Essalam Hospital and trained staff. 1997Training course in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point in Food Hygiene; Sponsored by: British Council; location: GAZA; date: March 1998 (Trainer).Three Training Courses In Environmental Virologyat Surrey University, England 1997-2000Training Course on WebCT. University of Cairo. UNESCO SPONSOREDTraining course on Microsft Access XP.  UNRWA. July, 2002.Training course on WebCt. Islamic University-Gaza. 2004.Lectures in a training program titled "Monitoring the quality of seawater and beaches" held by the MOH in 2001.

 One of the experts in formulating the "policy guidelines for sustainable Wastewater

  Management in the Gaza strip" LIFECY/99/GA/141. 2002Team leader in microbiology standard operating procedure (SOP project). Palestinian Ministry of health, 2003 Presentation of preliminary results of a research “Health impact of seawater pollution" The 4th. Environmental Day, 2003.Trainer "Health care waste management" workshop at the Ministry of Health. (2004)Trainer "Microbial analysis of food". Training course for the Islamic University-Gaza Technicians. 2005.Trainer "Health impact of seawater pollution" PEF (Rafah). 2006Several lectures on Avian Influenza as a part of awareness campaign conducted by the Medical Technology Department-IUG (2006)Several training courses and workshops in public health awareness and protection. Publications 1. Afifi, S., Elmanama, A., Shubair M., 2000. Microbiological assessment of beach quality in Gaza Strip. Egypt. J. Med. Lab. Sci.,Vol  9, No. 1, 2. Afifi, S., Bahr, S, and Elmanama, A. Evaluation of Seawater and Beach Quality in Gaza Governorate/Palestine. 3. Astal, Z. Elmanama, A., Elkichaoui A, and Sharif, F. 2001.Antibiotic resistance of bacteria associated with community aquired urinary tract infections in the southern area of gaza strip Egypt. J. Med. Lab. Sci.,Vol  10, No. 2, 4. Elmanama, A., Fahd, M, Afifi, S., Abdallah, S and Bahr S. (2004): Microbiological Beach Sand Quality in Gaza Strip in Comparison to Seawater. Environmental Research. Environ Res. 2005 Sep;99(1):1-10.5. Elmanama, A., Afifi, S. and Bahr S. (2006): Seasonal and Spatial Variation in the Monitoring Parameters of Gaza Beach during 2002-2003. Environmental Research Journal. 2006;101(1):25-336. Elmanama, A., Elaiwa,N,  El-Ottol, A and Abu-Elamreen, F. (2005) Antibiotic resistance of uropathogens isolated from Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip during 2002" . Journal of Chemotherapy.Vol. 18 (2006) - pp. 298, 3027. Elmanama, A.,  Elaiwa,N,  El-Ottol, A and Abu-Elamreen, F. (2006) Pseudomonas aeruginosa distribution in clinical sample and their antibiogram from Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza, PNA. AQM. (1427-2006) 2: 37-45 8. Elmanama, A., Arafa, H., Salama, A., Abunasser, A. and Elfaliit, A., (2005): Occurrence of ListeriaSpeciesin Fresh Poultry in Gaza Strip. AQM. (1426, 2005) 2:46-529. Elmanama, A. (2006): Antimicrobial Resistance of Acinetobacter spp Isolated from Pus Specimens from AL-Shifa Hospital, Gaza, Palestine. Journal of Al-Aqsa University (natural sciences series). Vol 10 Special Edition (p. 60-68).10. Elmanama, A, Elkichaoui A, Mohsen, M. (2006): Contribution of Hospital Wastewater to the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Comparison to Non-Health Institution. Journal of Al-Aqsa University (natural sciences series). Vol 10 Special Edition (p.108-121) 11. Abdelraouf A. Elmanama, Areej Barakah, Maha Shaqalleh , Nirmeen El- Khatib  and Souzan El-Heila (2007): Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacteria Isolated from Ear Discharge in Gaza Strip. Pan Arab Medical Journal (ACCEPTED 2007).12. AL-HINDI Adnan, ELMANAMA Abdelraouf , ELNABRIS Kamal .Cryptosporidiosis among Children Attending Al-Nasser Pediatric Hospital, Gaza, Palestine Turk J Med Sci 2007; 37(6): 367-37213. Rafik Helles, Abdelraouf Elmanama, Huda Hassen, Azmi Abu Daka. (2007): Degradation of Chlorpyrifos Pesticide using Free and Sol-gel Immobilzed Bacteria. Analytical chemistry. India (ACCEPTED, Feb, 2008) Conferences 1. Elmanama, A. Antimicrobial Resistance of Acinetobacter spp Isolated from Pus Specimens from AL-Shifa Hospital, Gaza, Palestine. The First Intentional Conference of Natural and Applied Sciences. Al-Aqsa University Faculty of Applied Science. (25-26, may 2006).2. Elmanama, A, Elkichaoui A, Mohsen, M. Contribution of Hospital Wastewater to the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Comparison to Non-Health Institution. The First Intentional Conference of Natural and Applied Sciences. Al-Aqsa University Faculty of Applied Science. . (25-26, may 2006).

3. Abdelraouf A. Elmanama, Areej Barakah, Maha Shaqalleh , Nirmeen El- Khatib  and Souzan El-Heila (2007): Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacteria Isolated from Ear Discharge in Gaza Strip. Second International Conference of Science and Development Held at IUG (March 6-7-, 2007).4. Abdelraouf A. Elmanama, Rasha R. Rashed and Baha Sh. Mosabbih. (2007). Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci among Non–Hospitalized Individuals in Gaza City, Palestine. Second International Conference of Science and Development Held at IUG (March 6-7-, 2007).5. Abedelraouf A. Elmanama, Dalia qishawi, Hanan El-Modallal, Heba Nofal and Mariam Al-khawaja (2007). Trends in Antimicrobial Resistance among Urinary Tract Infection Pathogens Isolated from Children in Gaza, Palestine. Second International Conference of Science and Development Held at IUG (March 6-7-, 2007).6. Rafik Helles, Abdelraouf Elmanama, Huda Hassen, Azmi Abu Daka. (2007): Degradation of Chlorpyrifos Pesticide using Free and Sol-gel Immobilized Bacteria. Second International Conference of Science and Development Held at IUG (March 6-7-, 2007). 7. Elottol A., Elmanama A., Ayesh B. (2008): Hepatitis C Virus Infections among Haemodialysis Patients in Gaza Strip. College of Medicine Conference "Medical Education and Public Health in Palestine" March 15-16, 2008   8. Hijazi N, Elmanama A.,, Adnan Alhindi. (2008):  Linezolid-Resistant, Vancomycin- Resistant Enterococcus among Hospitalized Patients. College of Medicine Conference "Medical Education and Public Health in Palestine" March 15-16, 2008 9. Elmanama A., Mokhallalati M., Abu-Mugesieb R. (2008): Risk Factors Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Gaza, Palestine. College of Medicine Conference "Medical Education and Public Health in Palestine" March 15-16, 2008 Conferences committees

Organizing committee member: Second International Conference of Science and Development Held at IUG (March 6-7-, 2007) .

Organizing committee chairman: College of Medicine Conference "Medical Education and Public Health in Palestine" March 15-16, 2008

 

Research projects  Team leader and coordinator of the project: Seawater and Beach Quality Assessment / Gaza Strip Monitoring of Beach Quality, Environmental and Rural Research Center. The phase I (1997) of the project was funded by Netherlands Representative office and phase II is funded jointly by Norway and Netherlands representative offices. Assistant coordinator of the Academic Link Programme “Water Environment Management” with the Academic Partners: Robens Centre for Public and Environmental Health, University of Surrey, United Kingdom and Environmental and Rural Research Centre and       Department of Environmental and Earth Science, Islamic University - Gaza / Palestine. The Link Programme is funded by the British Council.  Seawater quality monitoring (UNU) program: Principal investigator (2001)One of the experts in formulating the "Policy guidelines for Sustainable Wastewater Management in the Gaza Strip" (2002)

Consultant for Palestinian Environmental Friends association (2005-2007)