Determination of six organochlorine pesticides, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, dichlorodi... more Determination of six organochlorine pesticides, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), residues were carried out on three dairy products sampled from six communities in the Kumasi metropolis in Ghana. Cheese samples were collected from three communities, (Tafo, Asawasi, and Aboabo), yoghurt samples from K-Poly and Ayeduasi while yoghurt and milk samples were collected from KNUST. Concentrations of DDT and DDE were, respectively, 42.17+/-6.00 microg kg(-1) and 31.50+/-3.44 microg kg(-1) in cheese sampled from Asawasi. Cheese samples from Tafo had an average DDT concentration of 298.57+/-28.02 microg kg(-1) while DDE concentration was 140.15+/-56.77 microg kg(-1). The highest average concentration of DDT in all the samples was 149.07 microg kg(-1) detected in cheese samples from Aboabo. Levels of DDT and its metabolite, DDE, in cheese from all the three sampling sites (Aboabo, Asawasi and Tafo) were well below the levels recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). Mean concentration of DDT in fresh milk samples from KNUST was 12.53+/-1.61 microg kg(-1). As bioaccumulation of these residues is likely to pose problems in higher organisms, like human beings, there is the need for effective monitoring of these residues in the environment. This work, thus, seeks to provide information on levels of pesticide residues in dairy products that will assist in a scientific assessment of the impact of pesticides on public health, agriculture and the environment in Ghana.
International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development
The increase in human activities in urban areas resulting from the urbanisation process continues... more The increase in human activities in urban areas resulting from the urbanisation process continues to put immense pressure on urban ecological resources including water bodies. This study seeks to assess the relationship between the various categories of human activities within the 100 m buffer of the major water bodies in the Kumasi Metropolis and the chemical and biological composition of the pollutants that are emitted into the water bodies. The findings of this study showed that the Kumasi Metropolis is confronted with weak enforcement of regulations that protect water bodies. For example, along the Subin River, human activities such as commercial activities and the development of squatter settlements did not conform to the standard setback average distance of 100 feet in the Zoning Regulation and Planning Standards. There is a need for city authorities to strategically respond to the various human activities that threaten the sustainability of water resources in cities.
The study aimed to ascertain the levels of trace elements present in the face powders marketed in... more The study aimed to ascertain the levels of trace elements present in the face powders marketed in Ghana. Fifteen different brands of facial makeup powders were purchased from a local market in Ghana. The samples were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to determine the concentrations of 16 elements (Pb, As, Hg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ti, Cu, Ni, Co, Sb, Cd, Ag, Sn, and Au). The contents of the trace elements were ordered in the following descending order according to the maximum concentrations: Fe > Zn > Ti > Mn > Cr > Hg > As > Pb > Cu, Ni, Co, Sb, Cd, Ag, Sn, and Au. Pearson correlation statistics showed strong positive relationships between Pb and Zn (r = 0.71), Pb and Cr (r = 0.57), Hg and Zn (r = 0.63), Hg and Fe (r = 0.73), Hg and Cr (r = 0.61), Zn and Fe (r = 0.69), Zn and Cr (r = 0.88), Fe and Cr (r = 0.67), and Fe and Ti (r = 0.62). Except for Pb and Cr, all the other elements had their margin of safety (MOS) values less than 100. The hazard...
Cocoa consumption, driven by the health benefits of mineral nutrients, is surging globally though... more Cocoa consumption, driven by the health benefits of mineral nutrients, is surging globally though, emerging evidence indicates anthropogenic contaminants. Thus, this study set out to conduct a health benefit-risk assessment of the trace elements in cocoa beans and derived products. Cocoa beans sampled from aggregation sites in four major cocoa-producing regions in the country were analyzed for trace elements. The clustering of these trace elements were explored using principal component analysis. The US EPA protocols were used to quantify the potential risks of adverse health outcomes through the oral route. Specifically the hazard quotient, hazard index, cancer risk and margin of exposure were determined. The adequacy of essential minerals intakes was estimated according to the British Nutrition Foundation guidelines. The results showed that the concentrations of mercury (13.99 mg/kg), lead (5.15 mg/kg) and molybdenum (11.18 mg/kg) exceeded some international regulatory thresholds. The principal component analysis showed that toxic elements in cocoa beans could be traced to soil uptake and atmospheric deposition pollution mechanisms from mining activities. Further, the results show for lead, the modal margin of exposure (0.06–0.78) and cancer risk (2 × 10–6–1 × 10–5) breached their respective risk thresholds (MoE < 1 and deminimis > 1 × 10–6) suggesting potential adverse health outcomes among chocolate consumers. The range (3.81–493.13) of hazard index for the toxic elements (mercury, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, vanadium, zirconium, and uranium) exceeded the threshold (HI > 1), signifying cumulative risk of adverse health outcomes. The results further showed that cocoa beans had a rich range (0.97–2563.93 mg/kg) of beneficial elements: potassium > sulfur > calcium > iron > titanium > zinc > molybdenum > chromium > vanadium > selenium > scandium. The range of nutritional adequacy assessments (0.01–57.70%) followed the order: iron > zinc > potassium > selenium > calcium among chocolate consumers. Finally, since the safety regulatory standpoint demands zero-tolerance of carcinogenic hazards, but there were significant risks associated with lead in cocoa beans, it outweighs the beneficial elements in cocoa beans.
The use of veterinary drugs on farm animals has the potential of generating drug residues in edib... more The use of veterinary drugs on farm animals has the potential of generating drug residues in edible animal products that may affect public health. Veterinary drug residues in 144 samples including beef, chicken, and egg were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography in tandem with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Sixty-three percent of the samples had quantifiable multiple detections of veterinary drug residues. The mean amounts of the tetracyclines (tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and chlortetracycline) residues in the samples were 81.35 μg/kg, 76.94 μg/kg, and 234.43 μg/kg, respectively. The mean β-lactam (amoxicillin, cefazolin, and penicillin G) residues were 35.76 μg/kg, 47.02 μg/kg, and 41.02 μg/kg respectively. The mean residues of the sulphonamides (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadoxine, and sulfathiazole) were 103.98 μg/kg, 46.05 μg/kg, and 68.63 μg/kg respectively. The mean fluoroquinolone (enrofloxacin) concentration was 30.19 μg/kg. The mean residue concentrations of salbutamol, erythromycin, prednisone, ketoprofen, and haloperidol were 6.32, 77.18, 23.66, 14.94, and 9.62 μg/kg respectively. The exposure estimations conducted on residues whose concentrations exceeded their maximum residue limits shows that consumers are at risk of acute exposure to tetracycline in egg, and cefazolin, penicillin G, sulphamethoxazole, salbutamol, prednisone, and haloperidol which may be injurious to the health and wellbeing.
Determination of six organochlorine pesticides, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, dichlorodi... more Determination of six organochlorine pesticides, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), residues were carried out on three dairy products sampled from six communities in the Kumasi metropolis in Ghana. Cheese samples were collected from three communities, (Tafo, Asawasi, and Aboabo), yoghurt samples from K-Poly and Ayeduasi while yoghurt and milk samples were collected from KNUST. Concentrations of DDT and DDE were, respectively, 42.17+/-6.00 microg kg(-1) and 31.50+/-3.44 microg kg(-1) in cheese sampled from Asawasi. Cheese samples from Tafo had an average DDT concentration of 298.57+/-28.02 microg kg(-1) while DDE concentration was 140.15+/-56.77 microg kg(-1). The highest average concentration of DDT in all the samples was 149.07 microg kg(-1) detected in cheese samples from Aboabo. Levels of DDT and its metabolite, DDE, in cheese from all the three sampling sites (Aboabo, Asawasi and Tafo) were well below the levels recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). Mean concentration of DDT in fresh milk samples from KNUST was 12.53+/-1.61 microg kg(-1). As bioaccumulation of these residues is likely to pose problems in higher organisms, like human beings, there is the need for effective monitoring of these residues in the environment. This work, thus, seeks to provide information on levels of pesticide residues in dairy products that will assist in a scientific assessment of the impact of pesticides on public health, agriculture and the environment in Ghana.
International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development
The increase in human activities in urban areas resulting from the urbanisation process continues... more The increase in human activities in urban areas resulting from the urbanisation process continues to put immense pressure on urban ecological resources including water bodies. This study seeks to assess the relationship between the various categories of human activities within the 100 m buffer of the major water bodies in the Kumasi Metropolis and the chemical and biological composition of the pollutants that are emitted into the water bodies. The findings of this study showed that the Kumasi Metropolis is confronted with weak enforcement of regulations that protect water bodies. For example, along the Subin River, human activities such as commercial activities and the development of squatter settlements did not conform to the standard setback average distance of 100 feet in the Zoning Regulation and Planning Standards. There is a need for city authorities to strategically respond to the various human activities that threaten the sustainability of water resources in cities.
The study aimed to ascertain the levels of trace elements present in the face powders marketed in... more The study aimed to ascertain the levels of trace elements present in the face powders marketed in Ghana. Fifteen different brands of facial makeup powders were purchased from a local market in Ghana. The samples were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to determine the concentrations of 16 elements (Pb, As, Hg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ti, Cu, Ni, Co, Sb, Cd, Ag, Sn, and Au). The contents of the trace elements were ordered in the following descending order according to the maximum concentrations: Fe > Zn > Ti > Mn > Cr > Hg > As > Pb > Cu, Ni, Co, Sb, Cd, Ag, Sn, and Au. Pearson correlation statistics showed strong positive relationships between Pb and Zn (r = 0.71), Pb and Cr (r = 0.57), Hg and Zn (r = 0.63), Hg and Fe (r = 0.73), Hg and Cr (r = 0.61), Zn and Fe (r = 0.69), Zn and Cr (r = 0.88), Fe and Cr (r = 0.67), and Fe and Ti (r = 0.62). Except for Pb and Cr, all the other elements had their margin of safety (MOS) values less than 100. The hazard...
Cocoa consumption, driven by the health benefits of mineral nutrients, is surging globally though... more Cocoa consumption, driven by the health benefits of mineral nutrients, is surging globally though, emerging evidence indicates anthropogenic contaminants. Thus, this study set out to conduct a health benefit-risk assessment of the trace elements in cocoa beans and derived products. Cocoa beans sampled from aggregation sites in four major cocoa-producing regions in the country were analyzed for trace elements. The clustering of these trace elements were explored using principal component analysis. The US EPA protocols were used to quantify the potential risks of adverse health outcomes through the oral route. Specifically the hazard quotient, hazard index, cancer risk and margin of exposure were determined. The adequacy of essential minerals intakes was estimated according to the British Nutrition Foundation guidelines. The results showed that the concentrations of mercury (13.99 mg/kg), lead (5.15 mg/kg) and molybdenum (11.18 mg/kg) exceeded some international regulatory thresholds. The principal component analysis showed that toxic elements in cocoa beans could be traced to soil uptake and atmospheric deposition pollution mechanisms from mining activities. Further, the results show for lead, the modal margin of exposure (0.06–0.78) and cancer risk (2 × 10–6–1 × 10–5) breached their respective risk thresholds (MoE < 1 and deminimis > 1 × 10–6) suggesting potential adverse health outcomes among chocolate consumers. The range (3.81–493.13) of hazard index for the toxic elements (mercury, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, vanadium, zirconium, and uranium) exceeded the threshold (HI > 1), signifying cumulative risk of adverse health outcomes. The results further showed that cocoa beans had a rich range (0.97–2563.93 mg/kg) of beneficial elements: potassium > sulfur > calcium > iron > titanium > zinc > molybdenum > chromium > vanadium > selenium > scandium. The range of nutritional adequacy assessments (0.01–57.70%) followed the order: iron > zinc > potassium > selenium > calcium among chocolate consumers. Finally, since the safety regulatory standpoint demands zero-tolerance of carcinogenic hazards, but there were significant risks associated with lead in cocoa beans, it outweighs the beneficial elements in cocoa beans.
The use of veterinary drugs on farm animals has the potential of generating drug residues in edib... more The use of veterinary drugs on farm animals has the potential of generating drug residues in edible animal products that may affect public health. Veterinary drug residues in 144 samples including beef, chicken, and egg were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography in tandem with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Sixty-three percent of the samples had quantifiable multiple detections of veterinary drug residues. The mean amounts of the tetracyclines (tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and chlortetracycline) residues in the samples were 81.35 μg/kg, 76.94 μg/kg, and 234.43 μg/kg, respectively. The mean β-lactam (amoxicillin, cefazolin, and penicillin G) residues were 35.76 μg/kg, 47.02 μg/kg, and 41.02 μg/kg respectively. The mean residues of the sulphonamides (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadoxine, and sulfathiazole) were 103.98 μg/kg, 46.05 μg/kg, and 68.63 μg/kg respectively. The mean fluoroquinolone (enrofloxacin) concentration was 30.19 μg/kg. The mean residue concentrations of salbutamol, erythromycin, prednisone, ketoprofen, and haloperidol were 6.32, 77.18, 23.66, 14.94, and 9.62 μg/kg respectively. The exposure estimations conducted on residues whose concentrations exceeded their maximum residue limits shows that consumers are at risk of acute exposure to tetracycline in egg, and cefazolin, penicillin G, sulphamethoxazole, salbutamol, prednisone, and haloperidol which may be injurious to the health and wellbeing.
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Papers by Godfred Darko