Abstract: The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide re... more Abstract: The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from markets in Kumasi and to generate awareness about the lethal effects of these pesticides on human beings as well as to estimate the potential health risks associated with the pesticide residue with regard to consumers. A total of 350 locally produced fruits and vegetables were purchased from six main markets in Kumasi and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector for organochlorine (gamma-HCH, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT) and pyrethroid (permethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, deltamethrin) residues. The residual concentrations of selected pesticides in the various fruit and vegetable samples and the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides were also assessed. The results obtained showed that 37.5% of the fruit and vegetable samples analyzed...
Abstract: Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its a... more Abstract: Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its adjacent area at Oblogo, Accra-Ghana to study the possible impact of leachate percolation on unsaturated zone water quality. Concentration of various physico-chemical parameters including heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, As, V, and Zn) were determined in unsaturated zone water and leachate samples. The moderately high concentrations of ClG, NO 3 G, SO 4 2 G, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and BOD in unsaturated zone water, likely indicate that water quality in the unsaturated zone is being significantly affected by leachate percolation. This suggests that leachate percolation is having an impact the unsaturated zone water which indicates the originality of the groundwater in the area is threatened.
Twenty One (21) different brands of bread samples were collected from different markets/ bakeries... more Twenty One (21) different brands of bread samples were collected from different markets/ bakeries in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The bread were formulated with prepared from white flour and whole meal flour. Presence of Aanti nutritional factors and trace elements were determinedwas assessed. Seven (7) trace elements were measured using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The over alloverall average of for each of these the investigated elements in the bread samples investigated are: as follows Ca 0.20% , Cl 0.43 %, Al 0.47 mg/kg, Cu 0.71 mg/kg , Mg 333.63 mg/kg , Mn 6.19 mg/kg , Na 0.20 % and K 0.19 %. Neither As nor Cd were detected in any of the samples studied in this work. The results for the anti nutritional factors show that though the concentrations were present in the samples, their concentrations fell within acceptable limits did not exceed lethal doses. Oxalates were present in all samples taken with the greatest concentration at 21.91 mg/100g whereas ...
A B ST R A C T Heavy metals contamination was carried out with the aim to assess the levels of le... more A B ST R A C T Heavy metals contamination was carried out with the aim to assess the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) in various fruits and vegetables sold in Ghanaian markets. A total of 350 fruits and vegetable samples were tested and analyzed by Atomic Absorption spectrometry. The test results showed that the average concentrations detected were ranged from below detection limit to 0.56, below detection limit to 0.08, 1.24 to 6.32, 2.32 to 21.4 and below detection limit to 1.06 mg/kg for Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Cr, respectively. The highest mean levels of Pb and Cd were detected in lettuce, Cu and Zn in cucumber and Cr in carrot samples. The daily intakes of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Cr through fruits and vegetables have also been estimated. The levels of metals were all below the permissible limits by WHO/FAO. For there were heavy metals present in the fruits and vegetable samples, consumption of fruits and vegetables there was no zero risk. But th...
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was employed to quantitatively study some elemental cont... more Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was employed to quantitatively study some elemental contents of some medicinal plants used for the treatment of various ailments in Ghana. The accuracy and precision of the method were guaranteed by analyzing certified reference materials under the same conditions as the samples. Various elements of biological importance for human metabolism were found to be present in varying concentrations. Potentially toxic element when exceeding RDI, Al, was also detected in the medicinal plants considered in this study. The concentrations of the various elements in the medicinal plants have been discussed in detail.
Until quite recently, human urine has been tagged a āwasteā, especially in Africa, even though th... more Until quite recently, human urine has been tagged a āwasteā, especially in Africa, even though the eastern, and western worlds have for centuries reaped the immense blessings associated with this āliquid goldā. It is in the light of this that this paper discusses the research work conducted to ascertain the fertilizer value of human urine and its utilization in agriculture in Kumasi, Ghana. The study investigated the maximum storage time of human urine that would result in increased NPK for crop use under green house conditions using maize as the test crop. Some morphological characteristics; number of leaves, leave length, plant height and leave width were measured. Perceptions of farmers and consumers on urine use in agriculture were also examined. In a randomized complete block design, fresh urine (0), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 monthsā old urine and NPK 15:15:15 chemical fertilizers were applied to maize crops in a green house. Prior to planting and application of plant nutrients, soi...
Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its adjacent ar... more Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its adjacent area at Oblogo, Accra-Ghana to study the possible impact of leachate percolation on unsaturated zone water quality. Concentration of various physico-chemical parameters including heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, As, V, and Zn) were determined in unsaturated zone water and leachate samples. The moderately high concentrations of ClG, NO3G, SO4 2 G, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and BOD in unsaturated zone water, likely indicate that water quality in the unsaturated zone is being significantly affected by leachate percolation. This suggests that leachate percolation is having an impact the unsaturated zone water which indicates the originality of the groundwater in the area is threatened.
The objective of this work is to assess the levels of trace elements and the extent of pollution ... more The objective of this work is to assess the levels of trace elements and the extent of pollution in the surface water and sediments from in the Densu delta wetland using INAA, PLI and the help of statistical tools like PCA and CA establish their common sources. Eight samples of surface water, eight samples of sediments were taken for elemental analysis. The samples were analyzed for physical and chemical parameters, as well as trace elements (Al, Cu, V, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cr, Fe and As). The results showed that the surface water in the area can be described as slightly alkaline with pH of 7.5 and high conductivities of 150-3412:S/cm with corresponding TDS of 80-1750 mg/L. Statistical analyses such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to identify trace elements pollution in the wetland area. Results from CA and PCA suggest positive relationships between the two analyses. Trace elements were identified as originating from a common source in all the analys...
Introduction Pesticide and heavy metals are persistent and nonbiodegradable and they can be bioac... more Introduction Pesticide and heavy metals are persistent and nonbiodegradable and they can be bioaccumulated through the biologic chains: soil-plant-food and seawater-marine organismfood (Shawi et al., 1999). So, the presence in high amount of pesticide and heavy metals in environment represents a potential danger for human health and for environment due to their extreme toxicity. For this reason, accurate monitoring of their concentration plays an important role. Population can be contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals by ingestion of contaminated or polluted food and water. The gravity of toxic effect depends on nature, concentration, body resistance and presence of other contaminants. The concentration of these elements in food products is varied, depending of their origin, storage conditions and processing technologies (Stanciu et al., 2005). Food safety is a major public concern worldwide. During the last decades, the increasing demand of food safety has stimulated...
A total of sixteen (16) imported baby cereals samples were collected from various markets in the ... more A total of sixteen (16) imported baby cereals samples were collected from various markets in the Greater Accra. Selected elemental contents were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Al, Br, Ca, Cl, K, Mg and Na were determined. The elements present in the samples were in the range of levels reported in literature. The element that presented minor concentrations is Al. Its highest concentration was 11.04 Ā± 0.59 ppm in BFBN_3. Br was present in four (4) of the sixteen (16) samples analysed. The average concentration of Br in all the samples was 9.89 Ā±0.69 ppm. Cl, Ca, Mg and Na were present in minor concentrations in most of the samples analyzed. The concentration of Cl ranged from 0.06Ā± 0.003% to 0.36 Ā± 0.02 % where as Ca had concentrations ranging from 0.27Ā± 0.02 % to 1.37 Ā± 0.07 % . Na and Ka ranged from 0.10 Ā± 0.01% to 1.03 Ā± 0.03 %. The results of the present investigation showed that the imported baby cereals on the Ghanaian market contain some importan...
The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide residues in ... more The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from markets in Kumasi and to generate awareness about the lethal effects of these pesticides on human beings as well as to estimate the potential health risks associated with the pesticide residue with regard to consumers. A total of 350 locally produced fruits and vegetables were purchased from six main markets in Kumasi and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector for organochlorine (gamma-HCH, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT) and pyrethroid (permethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, deltamethrin) residues. The residual concentrations of selected pesticides in the various fruit and vegetable samples and the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides were also assessed. The results obtained showed that 37.5% of the fruit and vegetable samples analyzed contained n...
Introduction Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is a good dietary source o... more Introduction Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is a good dietary source of essential trace metals for humans. It is also known to contain flavonoids, minerals and trace elements that are essential to human health (Yingxu Chen et al; 2009). Tea is usually consumed as an infusion prepared by brewing the tea in hot water. Varieties of tea are found on the Ghanaian market and are widely consumed. Its elemental composition has, therefore, been the object of broad scientific studies from medical, toxicological and environmental points of view. Various surveys on the medicinal value and benefits of tea consumption have taken place in recent years (Dufresne and Farnworth, 2001; Weisburger, 1997). Some of the possible benefits of drinking tea are immune system boosting and antioxidative activity (Mark, 2007). Others include protective effect against a wide range of cancers (including lung, prostate, and breast cancer) and reduction of blood cholesterol levels (Fujita ...
A study was conducted to create the awareness among the general public and especially those who w... more A study was conducted to create the awareness among the general public and especially those who work directly with the transformers on the adverse health effects that are associated with the exposure to transformer oils that may contain PCBs. Knowledge of PCBs and the adverse effects on humans and the environment were assessed among Electricity Company of Ghana staff members, Volta River Authority staff members and the general public. Evidence obtained from the use of structured questionnaire analysed with Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) version 16 shows that Staff members of the technical departments of ECG/VRA (71.4%) as well as a few welders (16.7%) have come in contact with the transformer oil that may possibly contain PCBs. About 26.1% of female from ECG and VRA indicated they still work with and/or on transformer, thereby increasing the potential adverse effect associated to exposure to transformer oils that may contain PCBs. About 55.6% of the ECG/VRA staff me...
The study investigated the extent of contamination of with p,p- DDT, p,p-DDE, hexachlorocyclohexa... more The study investigated the extent of contamination of with p,p- DDT, p,p-DDE, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, lindane ((-HCH) and *-HCH, dieldrin, aldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, alpha-endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, chlordane, heptachlor and methoxychlor in tissues of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus), obtained from the Gomoa East district of Ghana. The organochlorine pesticide residues in the samples were soxhlet extracted using a mixture of hexane and acetone. The extracts were cleaned up using florisil and analysed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron detector (GC- ECD). The results indicated that all the analyzed samples were contaminated with the studied organochlorine pesticides. Aldrin and heptachlor were the principal contaminants in all the samples. The muscle had the highest pollutant load followed by the liver and then the kidney. The levels of organochlorine pesticide residues detected in all the tissues were below the accepted Maximum ...
Abstract: The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide re... more Abstract: The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from markets in Kumasi and to generate awareness about the lethal effects of these pesticides on human beings as well as to estimate the potential health risks associated with the pesticide residue with regard to consumers. A total of 350 locally produced fruits and vegetables were purchased from six main markets in Kumasi and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector for organochlorine (gamma-HCH, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT) and pyrethroid (permethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, deltamethrin) residues. The residual concentrations of selected pesticides in the various fruit and vegetable samples and the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides were also assessed. The results obtained showed that 37.5% of the fruit and vegetable samples analyzed...
Abstract: Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its a... more Abstract: Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its adjacent area at Oblogo, Accra-Ghana to study the possible impact of leachate percolation on unsaturated zone water quality. Concentration of various physico-chemical parameters including heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, As, V, and Zn) were determined in unsaturated zone water and leachate samples. The moderately high concentrations of ClG, NO 3 G, SO 4 2 G, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and BOD in unsaturated zone water, likely indicate that water quality in the unsaturated zone is being significantly affected by leachate percolation. This suggests that leachate percolation is having an impact the unsaturated zone water which indicates the originality of the groundwater in the area is threatened.
Twenty One (21) different brands of bread samples were collected from different markets/ bakeries... more Twenty One (21) different brands of bread samples were collected from different markets/ bakeries in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The bread were formulated with prepared from white flour and whole meal flour. Presence of Aanti nutritional factors and trace elements were determinedwas assessed. Seven (7) trace elements were measured using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The over alloverall average of for each of these the investigated elements in the bread samples investigated are: as follows Ca 0.20% , Cl 0.43 %, Al 0.47 mg/kg, Cu 0.71 mg/kg , Mg 333.63 mg/kg , Mn 6.19 mg/kg , Na 0.20 % and K 0.19 %. Neither As nor Cd were detected in any of the samples studied in this work. The results for the anti nutritional factors show that though the concentrations were present in the samples, their concentrations fell within acceptable limits did not exceed lethal doses. Oxalates were present in all samples taken with the greatest concentration at 21.91 mg/100g whereas ...
A B ST R A C T Heavy metals contamination was carried out with the aim to assess the levels of le... more A B ST R A C T Heavy metals contamination was carried out with the aim to assess the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) in various fruits and vegetables sold in Ghanaian markets. A total of 350 fruits and vegetable samples were tested and analyzed by Atomic Absorption spectrometry. The test results showed that the average concentrations detected were ranged from below detection limit to 0.56, below detection limit to 0.08, 1.24 to 6.32, 2.32 to 21.4 and below detection limit to 1.06 mg/kg for Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Cr, respectively. The highest mean levels of Pb and Cd were detected in lettuce, Cu and Zn in cucumber and Cr in carrot samples. The daily intakes of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Cr through fruits and vegetables have also been estimated. The levels of metals were all below the permissible limits by WHO/FAO. For there were heavy metals present in the fruits and vegetable samples, consumption of fruits and vegetables there was no zero risk. But th...
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was employed to quantitatively study some elemental cont... more Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was employed to quantitatively study some elemental contents of some medicinal plants used for the treatment of various ailments in Ghana. The accuracy and precision of the method were guaranteed by analyzing certified reference materials under the same conditions as the samples. Various elements of biological importance for human metabolism were found to be present in varying concentrations. Potentially toxic element when exceeding RDI, Al, was also detected in the medicinal plants considered in this study. The concentrations of the various elements in the medicinal plants have been discussed in detail.
Until quite recently, human urine has been tagged a āwasteā, especially in Africa, even though th... more Until quite recently, human urine has been tagged a āwasteā, especially in Africa, even though the eastern, and western worlds have for centuries reaped the immense blessings associated with this āliquid goldā. It is in the light of this that this paper discusses the research work conducted to ascertain the fertilizer value of human urine and its utilization in agriculture in Kumasi, Ghana. The study investigated the maximum storage time of human urine that would result in increased NPK for crop use under green house conditions using maize as the test crop. Some morphological characteristics; number of leaves, leave length, plant height and leave width were measured. Perceptions of farmers and consumers on urine use in agriculture were also examined. In a randomized complete block design, fresh urine (0), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 monthsā old urine and NPK 15:15:15 chemical fertilizers were applied to maize crops in a green house. Prior to planting and application of plant nutrients, soi...
Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its adjacent ar... more Leachate and unsaturated zone water samples were collected from landfill-site and its adjacent area at Oblogo, Accra-Ghana to study the possible impact of leachate percolation on unsaturated zone water quality. Concentration of various physico-chemical parameters including heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, As, V, and Zn) were determined in unsaturated zone water and leachate samples. The moderately high concentrations of ClG, NO3G, SO4 2 G, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and BOD in unsaturated zone water, likely indicate that water quality in the unsaturated zone is being significantly affected by leachate percolation. This suggests that leachate percolation is having an impact the unsaturated zone water which indicates the originality of the groundwater in the area is threatened.
The objective of this work is to assess the levels of trace elements and the extent of pollution ... more The objective of this work is to assess the levels of trace elements and the extent of pollution in the surface water and sediments from in the Densu delta wetland using INAA, PLI and the help of statistical tools like PCA and CA establish their common sources. Eight samples of surface water, eight samples of sediments were taken for elemental analysis. The samples were analyzed for physical and chemical parameters, as well as trace elements (Al, Cu, V, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cr, Fe and As). The results showed that the surface water in the area can be described as slightly alkaline with pH of 7.5 and high conductivities of 150-3412:S/cm with corresponding TDS of 80-1750 mg/L. Statistical analyses such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to identify trace elements pollution in the wetland area. Results from CA and PCA suggest positive relationships between the two analyses. Trace elements were identified as originating from a common source in all the analys...
Introduction Pesticide and heavy metals are persistent and nonbiodegradable and they can be bioac... more Introduction Pesticide and heavy metals are persistent and nonbiodegradable and they can be bioaccumulated through the biologic chains: soil-plant-food and seawater-marine organismfood (Shawi et al., 1999). So, the presence in high amount of pesticide and heavy metals in environment represents a potential danger for human health and for environment due to their extreme toxicity. For this reason, accurate monitoring of their concentration plays an important role. Population can be contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals by ingestion of contaminated or polluted food and water. The gravity of toxic effect depends on nature, concentration, body resistance and presence of other contaminants. The concentration of these elements in food products is varied, depending of their origin, storage conditions and processing technologies (Stanciu et al., 2005). Food safety is a major public concern worldwide. During the last decades, the increasing demand of food safety has stimulated...
A total of sixteen (16) imported baby cereals samples were collected from various markets in the ... more A total of sixteen (16) imported baby cereals samples were collected from various markets in the Greater Accra. Selected elemental contents were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Al, Br, Ca, Cl, K, Mg and Na were determined. The elements present in the samples were in the range of levels reported in literature. The element that presented minor concentrations is Al. Its highest concentration was 11.04 Ā± 0.59 ppm in BFBN_3. Br was present in four (4) of the sixteen (16) samples analysed. The average concentration of Br in all the samples was 9.89 Ā±0.69 ppm. Cl, Ca, Mg and Na were present in minor concentrations in most of the samples analyzed. The concentration of Cl ranged from 0.06Ā± 0.003% to 0.36 Ā± 0.02 % where as Ca had concentrations ranging from 0.27Ā± 0.02 % to 1.37 Ā± 0.07 % . Na and Ka ranged from 0.10 Ā± 0.01% to 1.03 Ā± 0.03 %. The results of the present investigation showed that the imported baby cereals on the Ghanaian market contain some importan...
The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide residues in ... more The objective of present research study was to assess the concentration of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from markets in Kumasi and to generate awareness about the lethal effects of these pesticides on human beings as well as to estimate the potential health risks associated with the pesticide residue with regard to consumers. A total of 350 locally produced fruits and vegetables were purchased from six main markets in Kumasi and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector for organochlorine (gamma-HCH, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT) and pyrethroid (permethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, deltamethrin) residues. The residual concentrations of selected pesticides in the various fruit and vegetable samples and the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides were also assessed. The results obtained showed that 37.5% of the fruit and vegetable samples analyzed contained n...
Introduction Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is a good dietary source o... more Introduction Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is a good dietary source of essential trace metals for humans. It is also known to contain flavonoids, minerals and trace elements that are essential to human health (Yingxu Chen et al; 2009). Tea is usually consumed as an infusion prepared by brewing the tea in hot water. Varieties of tea are found on the Ghanaian market and are widely consumed. Its elemental composition has, therefore, been the object of broad scientific studies from medical, toxicological and environmental points of view. Various surveys on the medicinal value and benefits of tea consumption have taken place in recent years (Dufresne and Farnworth, 2001; Weisburger, 1997). Some of the possible benefits of drinking tea are immune system boosting and antioxidative activity (Mark, 2007). Others include protective effect against a wide range of cancers (including lung, prostate, and breast cancer) and reduction of blood cholesterol levels (Fujita ...
A study was conducted to create the awareness among the general public and especially those who w... more A study was conducted to create the awareness among the general public and especially those who work directly with the transformers on the adverse health effects that are associated with the exposure to transformer oils that may contain PCBs. Knowledge of PCBs and the adverse effects on humans and the environment were assessed among Electricity Company of Ghana staff members, Volta River Authority staff members and the general public. Evidence obtained from the use of structured questionnaire analysed with Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) version 16 shows that Staff members of the technical departments of ECG/VRA (71.4%) as well as a few welders (16.7%) have come in contact with the transformer oil that may possibly contain PCBs. About 26.1% of female from ECG and VRA indicated they still work with and/or on transformer, thereby increasing the potential adverse effect associated to exposure to transformer oils that may contain PCBs. About 55.6% of the ECG/VRA staff me...
The study investigated the extent of contamination of with p,p- DDT, p,p-DDE, hexachlorocyclohexa... more The study investigated the extent of contamination of with p,p- DDT, p,p-DDE, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, lindane ((-HCH) and *-HCH, dieldrin, aldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, alpha-endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, chlordane, heptachlor and methoxychlor in tissues of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus), obtained from the Gomoa East district of Ghana. The organochlorine pesticide residues in the samples were soxhlet extracted using a mixture of hexane and acetone. The extracts were cleaned up using florisil and analysed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron detector (GC- ECD). The results indicated that all the analyzed samples were contaminated with the studied organochlorine pesticides. Aldrin and heptachlor were the principal contaminants in all the samples. The muscle had the highest pollutant load followed by the liver and then the kidney. The levels of organochlorine pesticide residues detected in all the tissues were below the accepted Maximum ...
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