International journal of innovative research and development, Nov 28, 2015
1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternati... more 1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternative source of water in both rural and urban communities for various uses. This is because, aquifers are found to underlie almost all communities in Ghana, hence, groundwater can easily be abstracted at relatively shallow depths. In addition, groundwater in general is relatively cleaner and does not need extensive treatment before use. Lastly, most surface water bodies run out during the long spell of dry season (Yidana S. M., 2010). It is a fact that many stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals are involved in the provision of the amenity. In the same vein, Life Time Well (LTW), a non-governmental organization provided boreholes for the people of Avenorfeme and its environs as an alternative source of drinking water. However, the consumers were sceptical about the quality of the resource as they complained of high salinity of some of the borehole waters. The objective of the present work is to study the physicochemical, and major ion chemistry (hydrochemistry) of groundwater in the Avenorfeme area in the Akatsi South District in the Volta region of Ghana and also evaluate its suitability for domestic and agricultural uses. In this case the methods proposed by (Piper, 1944), as well as (Richards, 1954) US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) classifications and Water Quality Index (WQI) have been used to study critically the geo-chemical characteristics of the groundwater of the study area. Physicochemical parameters of groundwater play a significant role in classifying and assessing water quality. Hydrochemical study reveals quality of water suitable for irrigation, drinking and industrial purposes whereas hydrochemistry classification throws light on the concentration of various predominant cations, anions and their interrelationships.
Introduction Minerals nutrients are inorganic elements that originate from the earth and cannot b... more Introduction Minerals nutrients are inorganic elements that originate from the earth and cannot be made in the body (IFA, 2011). They are essential elements because they play important roles in various biochemical processes in the body necessary to sustain life and maintain optimal health (Ozcan, 2003). Since they cannot be manufactured by the body they must be present in food or food supplements in order to meet the body requirement for normal growth and other vital roles they play in the body. The elements, As, Ca, Co, Cr Cu, Cl, F, Fe, I, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Se, Si, Sn, V and Zn are considered essential elements (Danso et al, 2001). Vegetables, fruits, and some food crops including plantain can serve as a good source of minerals when consumed. Plantain, known scientifically as Musa ssp, is a food crop that serves as a major staple food, not only in Ghana, but in Africa and other parts of the world. Plantain is widely cultivated in most African countries (including Ghana, Ni...
The concentrations of the toxic elements As, Cd, Cr, Hg and V in soil and tailings samples from t... more The concentrations of the toxic elements As, Cd, Cr, Hg and V in soil and tailings samples from the Bibiani mining area in the Western Region of Ghana have been measured using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) with the aim of assessing the impact of mining activity on the Bibiani mining environment. All samples and standards were irradiated with thermal neutrons in the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) facility at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwabenya-Ghana, followed by counting with a conventional counting system. The concentrations of the elements measured in the soil were in the ranges: As, 0.46-996mg/kg; Cd, 0.69-4.15mg/kg; Hg, 0.01-0.06mg/kg and V, 60-204mg/kg. In the tailings, the concentrations of the elements were in the following ranges: As, (2.70-3.50)Ă—10^3mg/kg; Cd 1.35-3.36mg/kg; Cr, 19-87mg/kg; Hg, 0.01-0.02mg/kg and V, 48-93mg/kg. The soils were near neutral and reducing (except sample LS, taken from Lineso, a galamsey mining area which had a pH o...
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 ...
This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and extent of potentially toxic heavy meta... more This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and extent of potentially toxic heavy metals, As and Hg in earthenware clay deposits at Otsew in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region of Ghana using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique. Arsenic concentrations in the clay ranged from 1.55±0.23 to 18.47±2.60μg/g at S_6 and S_10 respectively with a mean of 9.48μg/g. Arsenic was not detected in sample S3. Mercury concentration in the clay ranged from 0.030±0.005 to 0.31±0.01μg/g in S_2 and S_3 respectively, with a mean of 0.14μg/g. Mercury was however, not detected in S_10. The precision and accuracy of the analytical technique (INAA) were assessed by simultaneous activation of reference material IAEA soil-7. The values obtained compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman's correlation coefficient was +0.99. The experimental samples were within ±5% of the recommended values. The measurement precision specified by the relati...
A radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation safety survey had been carried out at public acce... more A radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation safety survey had been carried out at public access points in 46 towns with 76 Global Systems for Mobile communication cell sites in two major cities in Ghana. The objective was to determine the levels of RF field in residential areas, schools and market places, and compare the measured results with the guidelines set by the International Commission of Non-Ionising Radiation (ICNIRP). Measurements were made with log-periodic antenna coupled with spectrum analyzer. The results varied from 0.85 to 1.07 mW m(-2) and 0.78 to 1.19 mW m(-2) for the transmission frequencies of 900 and 1800 MHz, respectively. The result generally shows a compliance with the ICNIRP limit of 0.024 % but was 108 times higher than a similar survey carried out in Ghana 2 y ago.
1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternati... more 1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternative source of water in both rural and urban communities for various uses. This is because, aquifers are found to underlie almost all communities in Ghana, hence, groundwater can easily be abstracted at relatively shallow depths. In addition, groundwater in general is relatively cleaner and does not need extensive treatment before use. Lastly, most surface water bodies run out during the long spell of dry season (Yidana S. M., 2010). It is a fact that many stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals are involved in the provision of the amenity. In the same vein, Life Time Well (LTW), a non-governmental organization provided boreholes for the people of Avenorfeme and its environs as an alternative source of drinking water. However, the consumers were sceptical about the quality of the resource as they complained of high salinity of some of the borehole waters. The objective of the present work is to study the physicochemical, and major ion chemistry (hydrochemistry) of groundwater in the Avenorfeme area in the Akatsi South District in the Volta region of Ghana and also evaluate its suitability for domestic and agricultural uses. In this case the methods proposed by (Piper, 1944), as well as (Richards, 1954) US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) classifications and Water Quality Index (WQI) have been used to study critically the geo-chemical characteristics of the groundwater of the study area. Physicochemical parameters of groundwater play a significant role in classifying and assessing water quality. Hydrochemical study reveals quality of water suitable for irrigation, drinking and industrial purposes whereas hydrochemistry classification throws light on the concentration of various predominant cations, anions and their interrelationships.
International journal of innovative research and development, Nov 28, 2015
1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternati... more 1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternative source of water in both rural and urban communities for various uses. This is because, aquifers are found to underlie almost all communities in Ghana, hence, groundwater can easily be abstracted at relatively shallow depths. In addition, groundwater in general is relatively cleaner and does not need extensive treatment before use. Lastly, most surface water bodies run out during the long spell of dry season (Yidana S. M., 2010). It is a fact that many stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals are involved in the provision of the amenity. In the same vein, Life Time Well (LTW), a non-governmental organization provided boreholes for the people of Avenorfeme and its environs as an alternative source of drinking water. However, the consumers were sceptical about the quality of the resource as they complained of high salinity of some of the borehole waters. The objective of the present work is to study the physicochemical, and major ion chemistry (hydrochemistry) of groundwater in the Avenorfeme area in the Akatsi South District in the Volta region of Ghana and also evaluate its suitability for domestic and agricultural uses. In this case the methods proposed by (Piper, 1944), as well as (Richards, 1954) US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) classifications and Water Quality Index (WQI) have been used to study critically the geo-chemical characteristics of the groundwater of the study area. Physicochemical parameters of groundwater play a significant role in classifying and assessing water quality. Hydrochemical study reveals quality of water suitable for irrigation, drinking and industrial purposes whereas hydrochemistry classification throws light on the concentration of various predominant cations, anions and their interrelationships.
Introduction Minerals nutrients are inorganic elements that originate from the earth and cannot b... more Introduction Minerals nutrients are inorganic elements that originate from the earth and cannot be made in the body (IFA, 2011). They are essential elements because they play important roles in various biochemical processes in the body necessary to sustain life and maintain optimal health (Ozcan, 2003). Since they cannot be manufactured by the body they must be present in food or food supplements in order to meet the body requirement for normal growth and other vital roles they play in the body. The elements, As, Ca, Co, Cr Cu, Cl, F, Fe, I, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Se, Si, Sn, V and Zn are considered essential elements (Danso et al, 2001). Vegetables, fruits, and some food crops including plantain can serve as a good source of minerals when consumed. Plantain, known scientifically as Musa ssp, is a food crop that serves as a major staple food, not only in Ghana, but in Africa and other parts of the world. Plantain is widely cultivated in most African countries (including Ghana, Ni...
The concentrations of the toxic elements As, Cd, Cr, Hg and V in soil and tailings samples from t... more The concentrations of the toxic elements As, Cd, Cr, Hg and V in soil and tailings samples from the Bibiani mining area in the Western Region of Ghana have been measured using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) with the aim of assessing the impact of mining activity on the Bibiani mining environment. All samples and standards were irradiated with thermal neutrons in the Ghana Research Reactor-1 (GHARR-1) facility at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwabenya-Ghana, followed by counting with a conventional counting system. The concentrations of the elements measured in the soil were in the ranges: As, 0.46-996mg/kg; Cd, 0.69-4.15mg/kg; Hg, 0.01-0.06mg/kg and V, 60-204mg/kg. In the tailings, the concentrations of the elements were in the following ranges: As, (2.70-3.50)Ă—10^3mg/kg; Cd 1.35-3.36mg/kg; Cr, 19-87mg/kg; Hg, 0.01-0.02mg/kg and V, 48-93mg/kg. The soils were near neutral and reducing (except sample LS, taken from Lineso, a galamsey mining area which had a pH o...
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 ...
This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and extent of potentially toxic heavy meta... more This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and extent of potentially toxic heavy metals, As and Hg in earthenware clay deposits at Otsew in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region of Ghana using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique. Arsenic concentrations in the clay ranged from 1.55±0.23 to 18.47±2.60μg/g at S_6 and S_10 respectively with a mean of 9.48μg/g. Arsenic was not detected in sample S3. Mercury concentration in the clay ranged from 0.030±0.005 to 0.31±0.01μg/g in S_2 and S_3 respectively, with a mean of 0.14μg/g. Mercury was however, not detected in S_10. The precision and accuracy of the analytical technique (INAA) were assessed by simultaneous activation of reference material IAEA soil-7. The values obtained compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman's correlation coefficient was +0.99. The experimental samples were within ±5% of the recommended values. The measurement precision specified by the relati...
A radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation safety survey had been carried out at public acce... more A radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation safety survey had been carried out at public access points in 46 towns with 76 Global Systems for Mobile communication cell sites in two major cities in Ghana. The objective was to determine the levels of RF field in residential areas, schools and market places, and compare the measured results with the guidelines set by the International Commission of Non-Ionising Radiation (ICNIRP). Measurements were made with log-periodic antenna coupled with spectrum analyzer. The results varied from 0.85 to 1.07 mW m(-2) and 0.78 to 1.19 mW m(-2) for the transmission frequencies of 900 and 1800 MHz, respectively. The result generally shows a compliance with the ICNIRP limit of 0.024 % but was 108 times higher than a similar survey carried out in Ghana 2 y ago.
1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternati... more 1. Introduction In Ghana, it appears groundwater is increasingly gaining eminence as an alternative source of water in both rural and urban communities for various uses. This is because, aquifers are found to underlie almost all communities in Ghana, hence, groundwater can easily be abstracted at relatively shallow depths. In addition, groundwater in general is relatively cleaner and does not need extensive treatment before use. Lastly, most surface water bodies run out during the long spell of dry season (Yidana S. M., 2010). It is a fact that many stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and individuals are involved in the provision of the amenity. In the same vein, Life Time Well (LTW), a non-governmental organization provided boreholes for the people of Avenorfeme and its environs as an alternative source of drinking water. However, the consumers were sceptical about the quality of the resource as they complained of high salinity of some of the borehole waters. The objective of the present work is to study the physicochemical, and major ion chemistry (hydrochemistry) of groundwater in the Avenorfeme area in the Akatsi South District in the Volta region of Ghana and also evaluate its suitability for domestic and agricultural uses. In this case the methods proposed by (Piper, 1944), as well as (Richards, 1954) US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) classifications and Water Quality Index (WQI) have been used to study critically the geo-chemical characteristics of the groundwater of the study area. Physicochemical parameters of groundwater play a significant role in classifying and assessing water quality. Hydrochemical study reveals quality of water suitable for irrigation, drinking and industrial purposes whereas hydrochemistry classification throws light on the concentration of various predominant cations, anions and their interrelationships.
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