ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determination of the impact of Long-term Poultry manure use on selected soil nutrients

In this study, the long-term impacts of poultry manure (PM) on vertical distribution of soil macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) have been determined. In addition, change in other soil fertility indicators such as organic matter (OM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) levels were assessed. Soil samples from four depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-60, and 60-120 cm) from the sites were analyzed. Generally, the mean total soil nitrogen increased with depth in the cultivated poultry manure amended soils up to 60cm depth and decreased sharply at depth range 60-120 cm in both wet and dry seasons. At both the cultivated and uncultivated sites at Deduako, available P levels were highest at the top 15 cm depth of the soil and decreased rapidly with increasing depths for both seasons in both the cultivated and uncultivated sites. The exchangeable K content at Deduako during the wet and dry season was significantly higher at all sampling depths than the corresponding depths of uncultivated land. Generally, the exchangeable Ca levels were significantly higher in cultivated soils at the experimental sites than those of the uncultivated land. There were significantly higher exchangeable Ca levels in wet season than that of dry season at both sites. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) Mg levels recorded in wet season. The OM contents at all sampling depths of cultivated site were also higher than that of the uncultivated sites. At the Deduako vegetable site, during the wet season, the CEC in cultivated soils at the various sampling depth were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of uncultivated soil. Increases in all selected soil properties were, generally, higher in the wet season than the dry season.

Source: KNUST
Determination of the levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) in some environmental samples in the vicinity of selected transformers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), in Kumasi, Ghana.

As a contribution to requirements towards Ghana’s obligations to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 22 transformer oil samples, 23 soil samples and leaf samples from 3 sites in the Kumasi metropolis have been analysed for Polychiorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) as Aroclors 1260, 1248, 1221 and Congeners 118, 138 and 180. Out of the 22 transformer oil samples, 20 were from functional 2° transformers in operation at the time of sampling. The two other samples were from a Transformer Maintenance Workshop. Selected transformers whose oils were analysed were manufactured from 1960 to 1975 and then 2000. Soils analysed were taken within a 15cm depth from the soil surface and within Ca. 1Dm radius of the transformer locations. Samples from a Case Study plantain farm suspected to be contaminated due to its proximity to a Transformer Maintenance Workshop were also analysed for PCBs. Samples from a farm remote from possible PCB sources (referred herein as the Control Farm) were analysed in a control experiment. All sampling was done between January and February 2004. Agilent Technologies 6890N series GC-μECD equipped with a 7683 series Automatic Liquid Sampler and oprated with the Chemstation version N.04.10 was used for the PCB analyses. The median Aroclor 1260 concentration in the 22 transformer oils for a range of <0.2816μgg̵‾1 to 516.443 μgg‾1, was <0.2816μgg‾1 The levels of Aroclors 1248 and 1221 in the transformer oils were below the Method Detection Limits of 0.l65Oppm and 0.2520ppm respectively. PCB congener 180 in transformer oil samples had a range of <0.2887μgg‾1 to 528.4401pgg‾1 and a median value of <0.2887μgg‾1. PCB 118 and PCB 138 had ranges of <0.2923μgg‾1 to 465.9035μgg‾1 and <O.2915μgg‾1 to 567.0558μgg‾1 respectively. No’PCBs were detected in the soil samples from the operational transformers and the maintenance workshop. Soil and Leaf samples analysed from the Case Study and Control farms did not register any levels of PCBs either as Aroclors or Congeners. Total Organic Carbon Content of the soil samples from the 20 functional transformer sites analysed gave the ff. statistics: mean of 1 .221% and a median of 1.198% for the range, 1.676%. Moisture content of soils was also determined pH determination for the same soils for a pH range of 4.1, gave a mean and median of 6.895 and 7.250 respectively. These soil characterisation parameters were hoped to aid in investigating relational trends with PCB content. However all soil levels were below detection and this was not realised.

Source: KNUST
Determination of the Radon Concentration in Underground Water in Selected Areas in and Around Kumasi

Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive noble gas of natural origin that may be found anywhere in soil, air and di erent types of water: surface, borehole, well and spring. It is worth to carry out surveys for the radon in water for radiation protection as well as for geological considerations. The research presentes here was carried out in selected towns in and around Kumasi for the determination of radon concentration in groundwater. The major towns from which samples were taken are , Mowire, Kronum, Aburaso, Medoma, Kenyase, Buokrom, Bomfa, Ayeduase, Kotei, Tikrom. All the samples are used for domestic purposes such as cooking,drinking,bathing and washing. Waters from boreholes and wells in the selected towns were sampled and the radon concentration level measured. The Roll’s method was used for the radon concentration analysis on all the 100 samples. The results shows that, the minimum radon concentration in groundwater was 13015.934 Bq/m3 and it was found at Bomfa, and the highest was found to be 964628.480 Bq/m3 , recorded at Mowire. It is believed that this variation of levels is mainly due to the di erence in rock type,soil type and geology of the area as well as the depth of the water samples. This information can be used to estimate the possible health hazards from radon in the selected towns in the future from environmental point of view. The data would promote public awareness related to risk of radon exposure.

Source: KNUST
Determination of the optimal growth and yield parameters of oyster mushrooms {Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivated on composted cassava peel-based substrate formulation

Mushroom cultivation is a profitable agribusiness so it is imperative to exploit alternative substrates. The research was carried out to investigate the most suitable conditions for the cultivation of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on pure cassava peels and its combination with corn cobs as an efficient means of utilizing agricultural wastes. During this study, effects of compost height (0.8m and 1.5m), composting period (3, 5 and / days) and the effect of supplementation with chicken manure on yield and the quality of mushrooms produced were studied. Results from the study showed that, higher compost heights (larger size), longer composting periods, and supplementation with chicken manure, increased the yield of mushrooms produced. In general, 50% cassava peels- 50% corn cobs recorded the highest yield followed by 100% cassava peels. Yield on compost height 1.5m was higher than on 0.8m compost height (P<0.05%). Composting for 5 or 7 days gave better results than 3 days composting period and chicken manure supplemented substrates performed better than non- supplemented substrates (P<0.05%). Statistical evaluation indicated that the effect of compost height, composting period and supplementation on the yield of mushrooms harvested per flush differed significantly at 0.05% significance level. Proximate analyses were equivalent to literature values. It can be concluded based on the yield that the interaction of 1.5m compost height, 5 days composting period and a substrate mixture of 50% cassava peels and 50% corn cobs supplemented with chicken manure are the optimum conditions for cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus.

Source: KNUST
The determination of the suitability of seeds of some economically valuable Ghanaian forest tree species for seed banking

The preferred method of ex-situ conservation, with present technology, is through storage as seed. Research in seed storage has overwhelmingly been done with crop plants. Many of these plants are of early succession, a habitat in which many species in nature possess seed dormancy. It may be expected that plant species in humid tropical environment, where the majority of endangered species now occur, will more often and even predominantly possess seeds which lack dormancy and will prove recalcitrant to induction of dormancy using current methods. This study assessed the potential of the seeds of three forest plant species, namely, Pericopsis elata, Entandrophragma angolense and Khaya ivorensis as candidates for seed banking. The effects of moisture content, storage temperature and storage period on seed viability were investigated. The effect of seed moisture content on viability was studied using the International Seed Testing Association rules (ISTA, 1993). The viability of seeds was determined using the standard germination test. The results indicated that the three species produce seeds which are highly viable. Seed moisture content was found to have no significant effect on viability of freshly collected seeds of the three species. However, during storage, viability of seeds was significantly affected by temperature, moisture content and storage period. Viability of seeds significantly declined with increase in storage period. Seeds stored at very cold conditions performed poorly, possibly due to the damage caused to the seeds under such conditions. Seeds lost their viability rapidly when they were stored at room temperature with their moisture content at 12% and this was attributed to active metabolism under relatively high temperature and moisture content. The optimal temperature and moisture content for storage of seeds of the three species were found to be 3°C and 6% respectively.

Source: KNUST
Determination of the triacylglycerol content for the identification and assessment of purity of shea butter fat, peanut oil, and palm kernel oil using maldi-tof/tof mass spectroscopic technique

This article reports the rapid screening and identification of the triacylglycerol content of shea butter fat, palm kernel oil, and peanut oil sold in the local Ghanaian market for their characterization and identification. Samples were dissolved in chloroform with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as the matrix. After subjecting the samples to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time- offlight/ mass spectrometry, the spectra obtained showed the characteristic triacylglycerols as sodium adducts. Seven major triacylglycerol species were identified as dipalmitoyl olein, palmitoyl diolein, palmitoyl stearoyl olein, linoleoyl diolein, triolein, stearoyl diolein, and distearoyl olein in all three samples.Palmitoyl linoleoyl olein and tristearin were also identified. Oxygenated triacylglycerols and other species from the fragmentation of triacylglycerols were also obtained. The presence of the oxygenated triacylglycerols and the triacylglycerolfragments may be a result of poor handling and production processes.

Source: KNUST
Determination of Total Arsenic and the Relationship between the Arsenic Levels and other Determined Physicochemical Properties of Some Biological and Environmental Samples from Selected Towns in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region

Amansie West District of the Ashanti region is rich in gold deposits so surface mining is the most important economic activity in the District. The mining causes weathering of rocks and increases arsenic levels in foods, water and soils. Total arsenic concentrations of soil, water and cassava from the district were analysed (with hydride generation AAS) as well as the relationship between the arsenic levels and other physicochemical parameters of the samples. The pH, conductivity and surrounding temperature were determined with probes. TDS, TSS and TS were gravimetrically determined. The research was conducted between October 2011 and May 2012. The ranges for all the water samples were: pH 5.05 to 7.98, conductivity 29.33 to 429.07 µS/cm, TDS 22 to 275 mg/L, TSS 189 to 892 mg/L and TS from 226 to 1045 mg/L. For soil samples, the ranges were: pH from 4.18 to 6.50, conductivity from 189.38 to 598.49 µS/cm and moisture content, from 6.54 to 33.06%. The pH range for the cassava samples was 4.99 to 6.83 and the peel was 4.03 to 6.68. The conductivity for the cassava ranged from 59.12 to 78.07 µS/cm whiles the peel was 60.11 to 77.89 µS/cm. The moisture content of the cassava and peel were respectively 11.07 to 22.98% and 38.97 to 50.65%. The range of arsenic levels in the samples were: water below 1 ppb (below detection) to 14 ppb, soil 3.12 to 8.48 mg/kg, cassava 0.08 to 1.20 mg/kg and peel from 0.22 to 1.20 mg/kg. There was an irregular trend or no specific pattern (scattered diagrams) between arsenic levels, sample properties and towns. This means the factors affecting arsenic levels differ from town to town. TABLE OF COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS AAS Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy A.P.H.A. American Public Health Association ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry AWD Amansie West District BU Buruli Ulcer DO Dissolved Oxygen EPA Environmental Protection Agency HCL Hollow Cathode Lamp HGAAS Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy MoH Ministry of Health PMT Photomultiplier Tube TDS Total Dissolved Solid TSS Total Suspended Solid TS Total Solid UNICEF United Nations International Children Emergency Fund WHO World Health Organization WML World Health Organization Maximum Limit

Source: KNUST
Determination of the Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological quality of sachet water produced in Tumu, Ghana

This study sought to assess the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of sachet water produced by three manufacturers coded TWP-A, TWP-B and TWP-C, in Tumu in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region, Ghana. Three sample points were identified for each manufacturer; producer, wholesaler and vendor. Three samples were analysed for each point per month and replicated over three months. A total of eighty one (81) samples from the three companies were used for the test; nine from each point and twenty seven (27) from each company. Selected physico-chemical parameters (such as TDS, conductivity, colour, turbidity, temperature, sulphate, chloride, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, total hardness were determined by the use of analytical techniques) and bacteriological parameters (including total coliform, faecal coliform and E. coli) were tested by the membrane filtration method and pore plate techniques and analysed using ANOVA. With exception of the bacteriological parameters, all the physico-chemical parameters for all three manufacturers were within recommended WHO guideline values and GWCL standard. From the results of the analysis, TWP-A water samples were associated with the most bacterial growth ranging from 0-36 cfu/100 ml total coliforms, 0 12.67 cfu/100 ml faecal coliform and 0 3.33 cfu/100 ml E. coli. TWP B was next with 0 12.67 cfu/100 ml faecal coliforms growth and 0=3.33 cfu/100 ml E.coli growth (Table10). TWP C water samples were observed to have bacterial growth of 0 0.33 cfu/100 ml faecal coliforms and 0.00 cfu/100 ml E. coli (Table 11). TWP-C had the highest total coliforms (58.67 cfu/100 ml) for the producer water samples. Generally, this brand was associated with the least bacterial growth of 0.67 cfu/100 ml of faecal coliform, and no E. coli growths in all the twenty seven (27) tested samples (Table 12). In all cases, water from the vendor sample points was associated with the most bacteria growth. This was attributed to very low residual treatment chemicals in the water samples, which reduces along the supply chain, causing microbial populations previously existing as biofilms to soar. Thus, the bacteriological qualities of sachet water from the three brands were high and they could pose a health threat for consumers, especially those who patronise TWP-A sachet water. Generally, all the bacteriological parameters were above the recommended WHO guideline value and GWCL standard of 0.00 cfu/100 ml (Table 1).

Source: KNUST
Determining and monitoring of project contingency sum for building developments in Ghana. (A case Study in Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions)

Risk management is a major concern to players in the construction industry. Poor management of risk has resulted in delay in completion of projects, and in some cases leading to litigation. Several management strategies have been adopted for managing risk. Amongst such strategies is the use of Contingency Sum in construction projects. This study was to identify existing methods and factors influencing determination, monitoring Contingency Sum and propose guidelines for determining and monitoring Contingency Sum. Random sampling technique (stratified) was used for determining sample size for selected building professionals (Quantity Surveyors, Architects and Civil Engineers), using the Kish formula. 250 questionnaires were administered to professionals in the building industry and 133(53.2%) were returned. Data collected were analysed using the relative important index (4 - most important factor and 1 – least important ranking). Kendall’s co-efficient of concordance was used to measure the degree of agreement among the selected professionals. The study identified that Deterministic approach (percentage method) was the most widely used method. Unexpected ground conditions (substructure works), design consideration and inflation were identified as the most influencing factors. Contingency Sums were mainly monitored by Project Managers. The study concludes by proposing a method for determining contingency sum and suggests the use of a more scientific approach such as Estimating Using Risk Analysis or the Monte Carlo Simulation. Further, an over site body should be established to monitor the management of Contingency Sum.

Source: KNUST
Determination of Transformation Parameters between the World Geodetic System 1984 and the Ghana Geodetic Network

A very fast-growing method of positioning is by the use of the Global Position System. The coordinates of the GPS are referenced to the World Geodetic System of 1984. In Ghana, coordinates are referenced to the War office ellipsoid. For accurate location and mapping of natural resources which are sometimes trans-boundary, there is a need to transform data obtained in World Geodetic system of 1984 into the War Office system and vice versa. GPS usage in Ghana is however problematic due to lack of parameters needed to transform data between the two systems and non-existence of acceptable standards for its usage. There is therefore a need to determine the transformation parameters between the two systems, and also propose acceptable models for this task. The main purpose of this research is to investigate and propose a method for transforming coordinates of points from the War Office coordinate system to the WGS 84 coordinate system and vice versa. Nineteen control stations within the Golden Triangle were used to determine the transformation parameters. The accuracy of each of these set of parameters was tested on twenty control stations within Golden Triangle (study area) and seven control stations Ho Municipality (outside the study area). Based on the results, the Molodensky-Badekas’ model is proposed for Golden Triangle whilst the Three parameter ‘Block-Shift’ model is proposed for the whole of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Determination of water table depths using ground penetrating radar- A case study of Knust campus

The Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical technique that is fast becoming a preferred geophysical method for detecting water table. It operates on the principle of transmission and reflection of electromagnetic waves through the ground. In this project thesis, the GPR was used to locate the depth to the water table on the KNUST campus during the dry season (from 10th to 14th January, 2014). The results showed that the elevations of the water table on the entire KNUST campus ranged from 227.0 m to 266.0 m above mean sea level. These corresponded to 22.0 m to 29.0 m in terms of depth. A water table elevation contour map constructed showed that the northern part of KNUST had the highest elevation of water table of 266.0 m (29.0 m depth) level while the south-eastern part of KNUST had the lowest of 227.0 m (22.0 m depth). Thus, the probability of finding groundwater at depth between 22.0 and 29.0 m on KNUST is very high. The water table elevation contour map provides a guiding framework for future drilling of boreholes on the KNUST campus.

Source: KNUST
Determination of Transformation Parameters for Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia

Spatial reference and geographic data integration has always been a crucial issue in positioning. To accomplish this, different referencing systems have been adopted by various countries for mapping and positioning purposes. This is due to the fact that no single ellipsoid could perfectly fit and model the undulating nature of the earth’s surface, establishing reasons why countries adopt local ellipsoids and datum. On the other hand, GPS equipment which is the most popular and dominantly used equipment for positioning is based on the WGS 84 ellipsoid/spheroid. Henceforth, data integration between local systems and the global system remains an issue of concern. As a case study, the Liberian Geodetic System which is based on the Clarke 1880 spheroid was used in the scope of this project. Various transformation models, reference figures and map projection procedures were studied and reviewed giving an insight of the nature of work to be done. Data were collected for common points in Liberia and post-processed both in Liberia and Ghana using the Leica GeoOffice and the Spectrum Survey. For the corresponding coordinates of the common points in the Clarke 1880 system, the 1:50,000 map which was provided by the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy was used spatially to extract those coordinates with the aid of ArcMap 10.0. Matlab functions were written to compute the parameters using four transformation models (Abridged Molodensky - 5 parameters, Simple Three Parameters - 3 parameters, Bursa Wolf – 7 parameters and Molodensky-Badekas – 7 parameters). Statistics were also performed on the determined parameters. As part of the objectives, another application was written using the Visual Basic programming language which makes use of these parameters to transform coordinates between the two systems. From statistics on the determined parameters and considering its advantages, the Molodensky-Badekas (Seven Parameters) Transformation Model is the most suitable model to be used to transform coordinates between both systems in the study area.

Source: KNUST