ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Levels of Aluminum in Some Selected Food Products

Aluminum, due to its inherent properties in making of packaging materials for food and that is beverage cans and foils etc. has been noted to be negatively impacting health. High levels of aluminum intake have been suspected to cause several neurodegenerative disorders which include Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease. In this research, samples of bread, canned drink and sachet water were sampled from a study area and the level of aluminum was determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The sample solution on injection is aspirated into a flame to be atomized and vaporized. These are then absorbed by a source element and following the Beer’s law, absorption is directly proportional to the concentration of atomic vapor in the flame, the concentration of the analyte was estimated. This study showed that six of the water samples had aluminum levels <0.001μg /L and the remaining samples to be ranging from 0.005 – 0.031μg/L, the canned drinks had aluminum levels within 0.62 - 0.175 mg/mL and the bread samples had aluminum content between 0.603-5.33 mg/kg. The values for drinking water fell within acceptable ranges 0.05 to 0.2 mg/L in all, it has been established that the provisional tolerable weekly intake from all sources is 1 mg/kg of body weight. This gives the indication that, though the aluminum finds its way into the various food by different ways, the final product still remains safe for consumption. The challenge may present itself when there is accumulation beyond tolerable limits due to frequency and quantity of consumed sources of contamination.

Source: KNUST
Levels of Heavy Metals in Water, Fish and Sediments in Ponds at Yale, a Mining Community in the Talensi District of Upper East Region of Ghana

Unlike other Small scale gold mining (SSGM) and Artisanal gold mining (AGM) sites (Obuasi, Prestea, Tarkwa, Dunkwa-on-offin) found in Ghana, the severity of heavy metal contamination in water, fish and sediments at Yale has not been thoroughly examined to ascertain the extent of metal contamination, as well as the biogeochemical fate of released heavy metals. Heavy metal (Pb, Fe, Mn, Hg and As) concentration in water, sediments and fish was analysed from a pond at Yale. The pond at Yale is the main source of water for household and farming purposes in the town and surrounding communities. In water Iron recorded high concentrations in both towns reading between 1.703mg/l and 1.760mg/l at Yale –Tarkwa and Yale-Obuasi respectively. Other heavy metals readings were Arsenic 0.084, Manganese 0.035, Lead 0.697, Mercury 0.027 and Arsenic 0.171, Manganese 0.060, Lead 0.062, Mercury 0.014mg/l for Yale-Tarkwa and Yale-Obuasi respectively. All the metals except Mn in water were above WHO standards for drinking water. Heavy metals levels in fish were all above WHO standards. In sediment Arsenic recorded higher value than Iron and the rest of the metals tested for. The activities of small scale and artisanal gold mining is affecting the environment in so many ways, polluting the water bodies and causing land degradation. The concentration of heavy metals in water shows that the water is not safe for drinking. Measures need to be put in place to reduce these activities.

Source: KNUST
Levels of mercury and hydroquinone in some skin-lightening creams and their potential risk to the health of consumers in Ghana.

In this study, fifty (50) samples of Skin-lightening creams were analyzed for total mercury by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry using an automatic mercury analyzer and for total hydroquinone by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The concentration of mercury in the creams ranged from below 0.001 to 0.549 µg/g and that of hydroquinone ranged from below 0.001 to 3.45 %. All the creams sampled for mercury had concentrations less than the US Food and Drug Administration’s acceptable limit of 1µg/g. The low concentrations of mercury detected in the cream samples analyzed therefore do not pose any potential risk to consumers. Eight percent (8%) of cream samples analyzed contained hydroquinone levels higher than the recommended WHO limit of two (2%). The use of such creams may lead to health hazards. Therefore, it is recommended that all skin-lightening creams should be checked for hydroquinone levels before marketing.

Source: KNUST
Levels of mercury and lead in selected rivers in the Kumasi metropolis

The main environmental problem facing Kumasi is pollution of water bodies. Many people in the developing world depend on water from rivers and streams for survival. However, urbanisation, industrialisation, improper waste management and agriculture are negatively affecting many rivers, especially in the urban areas. The study determined levels of mercury and lead in river water and sediment of the Aboabo and Wewe rivers in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region. The Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of mercury while the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of lead in both rivers. Water and sediment samples were taken from four communities along each of the two rivers and compared with the WHO health based guideline values for polluted sites. Levels of mercury and lead were higher in the Aboabo River specifically, in the Anloga community. Levels of mercury and lead were lower in the Wewe River when compared to the WHO and USEPA standards. The Aboabo River is polluted with heavy metals such as mercury and lead because scrap metal fabrication works, electronic waste and refuse dumps are situated in their watersheds. Farmers use water from the Wewe to irrigate their farms. The cumulative nature of mercury and lead even in small quantities poses threat to living organisms. Water bodies in the city should be effectively managed to prevent carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects in humans when cattle and farm produce are consumed.

Source: KNUST
Levels of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxins in Cocoa Beans from Four Cocoa Growing Regions in Ghana

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins are important mycotoxins in the food industry. They are produced by toxins producing fungi which contaminate agricultural produce either on farm, after harvesting (during storage) or during transport depending on the environmental condition of exposure. Processing of cocoa into semi-finished and finished products does not completely eliminate OTA and aflatoxins hence measures should be put in place to prevent contamination of these toxicants. In this study sixty samples (thirty shelled and thirty unshelled cocoa beans) were obtained from districts in four cocoa growing regions in Ghana namely Western-South, Western-North, Ashanti and Central regions. Samples were extracted and purified before analysis. A modified QuEChERS-HPLC method with fluorescence detector was used to quantify the mycotoxins of interest. The results showed that no OTA or aflatoxins were detected under the experimental conditions. Results were identical for both shelled and unshelled beans. These results suggest that cocoa beans cultivated from the districts on under study satisfy international limits, and after further processing for consumption will not cause any likely health implications and economic loss from mycotoxin contamination.

Source: KNUST
Levels of Organochlorine Insecticide Residues in Fresh Tomatoes from some Selected Farming Communities in Navrongo, Ghana

The concentrations of organochlorine insecticides residues in five tomato varieties from three farming communities in Navrongo (Bonia, Korania and Nangalkenia) were determined using gas chromatography in January and February 2011. A total of nineteen different organochlorine insecticides were detected, with at least five different residues in each sample. The residues were detected in the range of 0.0038 to 15.9007μg/kg. Beta HCH recorded the highest mean concentration (15.9007 μg/kg) at Korania and Cis-chlordane recorded the lowest mean concentration of 0.0038 μg/kg at Nangalkenia. The mean concentrations of heptachlor, delta HCH, gamma HCH (Lindane), beta HCH and p, p-DDT were relatively higher than the other organochlorine pesticides detected. Cis-heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, Cis-chlordane, hexachlorobenzene, and Cis-Nonachlor were not detected in most of the samples. Two of the organochlorine insecticide residues detected (beta HCH and delta HCH) exceeded the UK/EC Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Although, almost all the organochlorine residues detected were below the UK/ EC MRLs, bioconcentration in the fatty tissues of consumers could result in chronic health effects. A pair-wise comparison among concentrations of the organochlorine insecticides in the varieties indicated no statistically significant differences in concentrations. Questionnaire survey indicated that most tomato farmers do not experience any health problems that can be associated with pesticide use. In view of the damaging effects on human health and the environment, regular monitoring and analysis of organochlorine residues in the study area is recommended.

Source: KNUST
Levels of Natural and Artificial Radioactivity in Soils, water and tuber crops in the Tano- North District of Brong-Ahofo Region; Ghana

The levels of radionuclides in water, soil and tuber crops from the Tano-North District of Ghana have been determined. Gamma ray spectrometry was used to analyze the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in the samples. Also the Gas-less Automatic Alpha/Beta counting system (Canberra iMatic Tm) was used to determine gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations of the water. The estimated average annual effective dose due to ingestion of radionuclides in water by the public was 40.43 μSv/y, 20.08 μSv/y, 33.58 μSv/y, 53.45 μSv/y and 24.90 μSv/y for Duayaw/Nkwanta, Buokukruwa, Bomaa, Techire and Tanoso respectively. The average values for the annual effective dose from different locations in the district were lower compared with the recommended values of 100 μSv/y and 240 μSv/y by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations respectively. The average values for gross alpha and gross beta activities from the Tano-North District were 0.021 Bq/L and 0.094 Bq/L respectively. These average values were well below the guideline values of 0.5 Bq/L and 1.0 Bq/L for gross alpha and gross beta activities in the drinking water as recommended by the WHO. The result shows that, drinking water consumed by the inhabitants of the Tano-North District of Ghana does not pose any significant radiological health risk. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in the soil from different farmlands in the study area were 23.19 Bq/kg, 31.10 Bq/kg, 143.78 Bq/kg and 2.88 Bq/kg respectively. Clearly, these averages were lower compared with the world average of 30 Bq/kg, 35 Bq/kg and 400 Bq/kg for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively. The estimated absorbed dose rate for the farmlands varied between 23.63 nGy/y to 50.51 nGy/y, which is within the worldwide range of 18 to 93 nGy/y. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in cassava ranges from 0.38 to 6.73 Bq/kg, 1.82 to 10.32 Bq/kg, 17.65 to 41.01 Bq/kg and 0.38 to 1.02 Bq/kg respectively. Additionally, the activity concentration of 238U, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in yam also ranges from 0.47 to 4.89 Bq/kg, 0.93 to 5.03 Bq/kg, 14.19 to 35.07 Bq/kg and 0.34 to 0.89 Bq/kg respectively. The average concentration factor for 238U, 232Th and 40K in yam were 0.12, 0.11 and 0.17 respectively. Furthermore, the average concentration factor for 238U, 232Th and 40K in cassava were 0.11, 0.12 and 0.2 respectively. Generally, the concentrations of the radionuclides in yam and cassava samples were low and would not result in a significant health effects to the consumers.

Source: KNUST
Levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in vegetables, soil, and water from selected agricultural fields in Kumasi

The levels of organochlorine pesticides residue in cabbage, lettuce, onion, soil around cabbage, soil around lettuce, soil around onion, and irrigation water from five farms at Ayigya, Nsenie, Gyenyase, Kentinkrono were determined to assess the potential health risk associated with exposure to the pesticide residues from vegetables consumption. Sample collection and preparation were conducted using standard procedures. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in the samples were determined using gas chromatograph (Varian CP-3800) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). A total of fifteen different OCP residues were detected. The residue concentration in vegetables, soil, and irrigation water ranged from <0.01 to 184.10±12.11 µg/kg, <0.01 to 165.20±31.11 µg/kg, and <0.01 to 8.87±0.34 µg/L respectively. Methoxychlor recorded the highest mean concentration of 184.10±12.11 µg/kg in cabbage from Ayigya and beta-HCH recorded the lowest mean concentration of 0.20±0.00 µg/kg also in cabbage from Ayigya. Most of the organochlorine residues detected were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Bioconcentration in the fatty tissues of consumers could result in chronic health effects. The differences in residual concentrations of pesticides could be due to different agricultural practices adopted by farmers and also accessibility of the pesticides. Health risk estimation revealed that aldrin in lettuce could pose potential toxicity to the children. The combined risk index showed significant health risk to children. The overall risk index for combined pesticides due to consumption of all the vegetables was higher than 1, which signifies potential health risk to consumers. The carcinogenic risk of the OCP residues in vegetables was of little concern since their carcinogenic rates were below the acceptable risk level

Source: KNUST
Levels of Phthalates in Selected Ghanaian Alcoholic Beverages

The objective of this study was to determine the presence and levels of three regulated phthalates; benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Di-(2-ethylhexyle) phthalate (DEHP) and Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) in locally manufactured alcoholic beverages popularly called “bitters” and packaged with polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The analysis looked at 36 samples consisting of 33 different brands of which twenty one (21) were packaged in PET bottles and fifteen (15) packaged in PET pouches/bags. Target analyte was extracted from samples into n-hexane following an optimized protocol and analyzed using gas chromatography Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). The method showed good linearity in the concentration range of 1 μg/mL to 32 μg/mL with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9919, 1.00 and 0.9996 for BBP, DEHP and DBP respectively. LOD and LOQ for the method detection and quantification ranged from 0.4 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL and 3 μg/mL to 4 μg/mL respectively. Recoveries for method validation purposes yielded a range of 72.24 % to 105.97% of DBP spiked at concentration of 0.1 μg/mL and 0.2 μg/mL. At least two out of the three phthalates were detected in all samples. DPB was not detected in 5 of the samples representing 13.89 % of the samples tested. The overall mean concentration of DEHP exceeded the regulatory level by 212.67 % whilst that of DBP was as high as 1770 % above the legal limit. The highest leachable samples recorded values of 5.81 μg/mL and 6.02 μg/mL which are 287.3 % and 1906.67 % above the EU Commission regulation 10/2011 for DEHP (i.e. SML = 1.5 μg/mL) and DBP (i.e. SML = 0.3 μg/mL) respectively. The overall mean levels of BBP however complied with the regulation. Consequently, these findings indicate that the level of leaching of phthalates especially DEHP and DBP into some Ghanaian alcoholic beverages popularly called “bitters” can be quite high.

Source: KNUST
Levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in fruits and soils from the Mampong Municipality

Levels of fifteen organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in watermelon, pineapple and banana fruits from the farms and those sold on the market within the Mampong municipality together with the soil found around the fruit in the farms from which the fruits were taken have been analysed. A total of 120 fruits and 60 soil sampl es were analysed, out of which a total of 100 freshly harvested fruit samples were sampled randomly from farms in Kyerefamso, Woraso, Adidwan, Atonsuagya and Bosomkyekye and 20 from the market. The samples were extracted and analysed for OCP residues using gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. The mean residue concentrations ranged from <0.01-3.59±0.14 ng/g and 0.59 ± 0.03-0.98± 0.03 ng/g respectively in pineapple and banana from Adiwan. The mean OCP levels ranged from 0.20 ± 0.01 - 11.53± 0.10 ng/g, <0.01 - 1.23 ± 0.07 ng/g and <0.01 - 0.39 ± 0.10 ng/g for watermelon, pineapple and banana fruits respectively from the farms in Atonsuagya. The mean levels of OCP residues detected in the fruits from Bosomkyekye ranged from 3.38 ± 0.03-2.16.41±0.05 ng/g, <0.01-3.88 ± 0.08 ng/g and <0.01- 1.18 ± 0.01 ng/g for watermelon, pineapple and banana fruits respectively. The mean residue concentrations in the fruits samples from Kyerefamso also ranged from 0.49 ± 0.41- 48.22 ± 0.85 ng/g, <0.01-2.59 ± 0.08 ng/g and 4.23 ± 0.0 - 12.23 ± 0.32 ng/g for watermelon, pineapple and banana respectively. There were no residues detected in fruits from Woraso. There were no significant variations in the levels of pesticides in the three fruit samples from all the sampling areas (p>0.05). Comparison of the results of OCP residues in fruit from the farm and the market showed that higher levels OCPs were recorded in fruits from the farms compared to that from the market. Comparing the residual levels in fruits with that in soil samples taken around the fruit showed that some of the residues detected in the fruit were absent in the soil but, generally, the concentration of the OCP residues in the soils were much higher than that in most of the fruit samples analysed. Highest mean levels of OCPs such as gamma-HCH, aldrin and methoxychlor and beta-HCH and endrin recorded in some watermelon and banana fruits respectively from the farm exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) adopted by the EU but were lower than FAO/MRL. The hazard indices from the health risks assessment showed that all the OCP residues except aldrin did not show any health risk associated. The carcinogenic risk of the OCP in fruits in general were of less concern, since all the OCP except p,p' -DDT, carcinogenic rates in the fruits were below the acceptable risk level.

Source: KNUST
Levels of selected heavy metals in canned tomato paste sold in Ghana

Sixty-one samples of canned tomato paste comprising seven brands originating from three countries and sold in local markets in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana were analysed for levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and for levels of mercury (Hg) by direct mercury analyzer. Mean heavy metal concentrations varied by brand, ranging from below the limit of detection (Cd) to a maximum concentration range of 1.68 1.63 to 58.6 14.5 mgg 1 (Fe). Estimated mean ranges of other heavy metals are 2.06 0.62 to 8.52 0.68 mgg 1 (Zn), 2.62 0.33 to 5.75 0.47 mgg 1 (Mn), 0.070 0.003 to 0.116 0.012 mgg 1 (Pb) and 0.011 0.001 to 0.102 0.001 mgg 1 (Hg). Assessed metal levels in five brands were below the WHO/FAO permissible levels. Results of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the data suggested no significant variations (P40.05) in the concentrations of the metals in the same brands of canned tomatoes.

Source: KNUST
Levels of selected pesticide residues in Cocoa beans from the Western and Central Regions of Ghana

The main objective of this work is to determine the levels of pesticide residues in cocoa beans from Western and Central Regions of Ghana to determine their suitability for consumption using Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detector. Twenty samples were collected and analysed. The investigated pesticides were Chloropyrifos, Endosulfan (I and II), Profenefos, Fenvalerate, Bifenthrin, Permethrin (I and II), Cypermethrin (I, II and T), HCH (α, β, γ and δ), Aldrin, Heptachlor – exo – epoxide, Dieldrin, 4,4 – DDD, 4,4 – DDT and Heptachlor. A multiresidue proceedure was used in the extraction. Bond Elute ENVI – 18 and ENVI – Carb/LC – NH2 were used for clean - up. The recoveries ranged between 65% and 123%. The concentration of chloropyrifos was highest among all the pesticides detected with range of 4.39 – 11.87 mg/kg for cocoa beans samples from the Central and 6.67 – 14.00 mg/kg for cocoa bean sample from the Western Region. Aldrin was not detected in samples from both Central and Western Region. Comparing the concentrations of the pesticides with the MRLs, Chloropyrifos (4.39 – 11.87 mg/kg) and Cypermethrin II (0.12 – 1.82 mg/kg) concentrations in all the cocoa beans samples from Central Region exceeded the MRLs set by the EU and Japan. Chloropyrifos (6.67 – 14.00 mg/kg), Permethrin II (0.20 – 2.16 mg/kg) and Cypermethrin II (0.15 – 3.46 mg/kg) in cocoa bean samples from Western Region also exceeded the MRLs set by the EU and Japan. None of the cocoa beans samples from the Central Region exceeded the MRLs set by EU and Japan for Bifenthrin. None of the samples from the Western Region exceeded the MRLs set by the EU for 4, 4 – DDD and 4, 4 – DDT.

Source: KNUST
Levels of Selected Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans From Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana

The monitoring of pesticide residues in food has become a priority objective worldwide in order to get an extensive evaluation of food quality and to avoid harm to human health. This study presents results of analysis conducted on twenty one pesticide residues in cocoa beans sampled from the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions of Ghana. The pesticides were extracted from cocoa beans using liquid liquid extraction followed by clean up with solid-phase extraction cartridges. Final extracts were dissolved in ethyl acetate and analysis carried out by Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detector. Pesticides were identified by their retention times and quantification using an external calibration method. Twenty pesticide residues were detected in the cocoa bean samples. Aldrin was below detection limit in the cocoa beans sampled from the two regions. Chloropyrifos exhibited the highest concentrations of 10.55 mg/kg for samples from Mim in the Brong Ahafo region and 9.81 mg/kg for samples from Offinso in the Ashanti region. The lowest pesticide concentration of 0.01 mg/kg was recorded for Endosulfan I for samples from Sankore in the Ashanti region and Delta HCH which had a value of 0.01 mg/kg for samples from Offinso, Apagya, Juaso and New Edubiase respectively. From the results it could be deduced that 50% of the pesticides residues detected in the Brong Ahafo region were above the EU allowable limit whereas 45% was recorded for Ashanti region.

Source: KNUST