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Systematic Review of the Impact of Natural Resource Management on Public Health Outcomes: Focus on Water Quality

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  • Mohammed Elmadani

    (Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vorosmarty Mihaly Street 4, 7621 Pecs, Hungary
    Faculty of Public Health, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti 27711, Sudan)

  • Evans Kasmai Kiptulon

    (Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vorosmarty Mihaly Street 4, 7621 Pecs, Hungary)

  • Simon Klára

    (Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vorosmarty Mihaly Street 4, 7621 Pecs, Hungary)

  • Máté Orsolya

    (Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vorosmarty Mihaly Street 4, 7621 Pecs, Hungary)

Abstract

Natural resource management (NRM) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems, which are essential for human health and well-being. This systematic review examines the impact of various NRM practices on water quality and their subsequent effects on public health. Specifically, it focuses on interventions such as watershed management, pollution control, land use management, water treatment, and ecosystem restoration. We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by gray literature from Google Scholar, WHO reports, and government and NGO publications, covering studies published between 2014 and 2024. A total of 42 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse geographical regions with significant representation from developing countries. The findings indicate that effective NRM practices, particularly those aimed at reducing pollutants, managing watersheds, and promoting sustainable land use, significantly improve water quality by lowering levels of chemical contaminants, microbial pathogens, and physical pollutants. Improved water quality directly correlates with reduced incidences of waterborne diseases, chronic health conditions from long-term chemical exposure, and acute health effects from immediate pollutant exposure. The review underscores the need for tailored NRM strategies that consider local environmental and socio-economic contexts. It also highlights the importance of community involvement, regulatory frameworks, and continuous monitoring to enhance the effectiveness of NRM interventions. Despite the positive impacts, barriers such as limited financial resources, technical expertise, and community engagement pose challenges to the implementation of these practices. In conclusion, the systematic review demonstrates that comprehensive and context-specific NRM practices are crucial for improving water quality and public health outcomes. Policymakers and practitioners are encouraged to adopt integrated water resource management approaches, prioritize sustainable practices, and engage local communities to achieve long-term health and environmental benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammed Elmadani & Evans Kasmai Kiptulon & Simon Klára & Máté Orsolya, 2024. "Systematic Review of the Impact of Natural Resource Management on Public Health Outcomes: Focus on Water Quality," Resources, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-21, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:13:y:2024:i:9:p:122-:d:1467874
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wenwen Feng & Chao Wang & Xiaohui Lei & Hao Wang & Xueliang Zhang, 2020. "Distribution of Nitrate Content in Groundwater and Evaluation of Potential Health Risks: A Case Study of Rural Areas in Northern China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Fituma Lemessa & Belay Simane & Assefa Seyoum & Girma Gebresenbet, 2023. "Assessment of the Impact of Industrial Wastewater on the Water Quality of Rivers around the Bole Lemi Industrial Park (BLIP), Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Ajaykumar Kadam & Vasant Wagh & Bhavana Umrikar & Rabindranath Sankhua, 2020. "An implication of boron and fluoride contamination and its exposure risk in groundwater resources in semi-arid region, Western India," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(7), pages 7033-7056, October.
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