ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Using Leucaena Leucocephala: A Case Study at Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Ghana

Phytoremediation is one of the low cost biotechnology technique for the reclamation of contaminated mined sites. This study investigated the use of Leucaena leucocephala as a potential plant species for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. The phytoremediation capability of the plant was studied at the Nursery and Re-vegetation unit of AngloGold Ashanti in Obuasi. Tailings from the Sansu Tailings Dam was amended with top soil from Mampanhwe and three supplements to produce 10 treatments regimes, which were; T1 - Tailings alone, T2 - Tailings + chelator (EDTA), T3 - Tailings + Fertilizer (NPK), T4 - Tailings + Fertilizer (NPK) + chelator (EDTA), T5 - Tailings + PKC, T6 - Tailings + PKC + chelator (EDTA), T7 - Tailing + Topsoil (3:2), T8 - Tailing + Topsoil (2:3), T9 - Tailing + Topsoil (1:1) and T10 - Topsoil alone. Treatment soils of 5 kg were put in poly-pots. Each of the 10 treatments was replicated 6 times and harvesting was done twice at 45 and 75 days after transplanting. A total of 120 poly-pots were prepared. The concentrations of six heavy metals (As, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu) were determined, in samples of shoots and roots from each harvest, using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The levels of heavy metals were highest in the roots than in the shoot. The fertilizer (NPK) and the organic manure (PKC) did not have any effect on the biomass. The highest accumulation ratio (22.58 and 32.91) of heavy metals in shoots for both harvests was obtained in T2 for As. The highest accumulation ratio (35.76 and 51.39) of heavy metal in roots was obtained in T5 for As in both harvests. The highest percentage heavy metals reduction in soils was recorded for Zinc (Zn) for both harvests in T2 at 71.30% and 95.96% respectively. Except for As in T4, the amendment of treatment soils with chelator (EDTA) was not effective as the translocation of heavy metals into the shoots was not enhanced by its addition. T2 was the best treatment regime in enhancing the accumulation of heavy metals for both harvest in the order: (T2>T5>T6>T4>T3>T7>T9>T8). In general the levels of heavy metal accumulation increased with the addition of the supplements (Chelator, PKC and NPK) and performed much better than the tailings/soil mixtures. Between the tailings and soil mixtures ratios, T7 (3:2) was the best combination for increased heavy metal accumulation in the plant. Bioaccumulation ratios obtained were all less than 1 (<1) but increased from first to second harvests. Translocation factors greater than 1 (>1) was recorded for As in T4 (tailing + NPK + chelator) for both harvests and T9 (1:1) which was equal to 1 (=1) at the second harvest. Zn in the control also had TF greater than 1 (>1) in the second harvest. The results show that the plant is a phytoextractor and when aided with the addition of supplements, could be more effective in accumulation of heavy metals as a hyperaccumulator on long term cultivation.

Source: KNUST
Phytoremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil - A Case Study at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited – Ahafo Kenyasi

Phytoremediation technology was employed to remediate hydrocarbon contaminated soil from Newmont Mining site using Chromolaena odorata (Siam Weed). Physicochemical, Microbiological, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) and Oil and Grease were used as parameters in assessing the efficiency and optimization of the phytoremediation process of the hydrocarbon contaminated soil. Parameters such as pH, moisture content and temperature of the contaminated soil and the various media used for augmentation (Topsoil, Compost and Fertilizer) were determined using calibrated meters. Contaminated soils were analyzed for TPH (Infra-red method) and Oil and Grease (gravimetric method). The levels of these parameters in the contaminated soil were high and had thus reduced the nutrients in the soil responsible for plant growth. Topsoil, Compost and Fertilizer were used to augment the nutrient levels in the contaminated soil. Chromolaena odorata was then planted in the contaminated soils. As the plants matured, Oil and Grease/TPH mean values in the soil decreased to the barest minimum in the soil. The plants were subjected to analyses for Oil and Grease and TPH. Some plants picked at random and subjected to analyses showed contaminants stored at the root, leaf and stem zones. The percentage storage at the various sites were approximately 45%, 37% and 18% for the root, leaf and stem zones respectively. About 83% - 88% of the Oil & Grease/TPH concentrations in the contaminated soil were gotten rid of in the soil within the six months period that the experiment was carried out. Phytoremediation technology had worked for the degradation of contaminants in the soil and thus rendered the soil good for other useful purposes including agriculture and also to be kept for future reclamation activities.

Source: KNUST
Phytoremediation of Irrigation Water Using Limnocharis Flava, Typha Latifolia and Thalia Geniculata in a Constructed Wetland

Irrigation water quality is a critical public health issue in most developing countries, where farmers continue to rely on wastewater for vegetable production due to limited access to sources of clean water. Phytoremediation, the technique that utilizes a plant’s inherent ability to accumulate metals, is fast emerging as a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods. A corollary of this is an urgent need to identify plant species with the appropriate suite of characteristics for phytoremediation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the phytoremediation potentials of Limnocharis flava, Thalia geniculata and Typha latifolia using a horizontal sub-surface flow (SSF) constructed wetlands. The system comprised a storage tank, sedimentation tank, three parallel treatment columns and an effluent tank. Each column in turn had two rectangular serially arranged cells or ponds connected by inlet and outlet pipes, and were both planted with only one of the three plant species. All cells were supplied with irrigation water from a common source. Duplicate plant and water samples were collected from October 2010 to March 2011, and analyzed for Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb and Hg using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Bioaccumulation and translocation factors varied greatly among species for different metals. The results showed substantial accumulation of the trace metals by the plants, with Fe (~1600mg kg-1) and Pb (5.71mg kg-1) as the most and least accumulative metals respectively. L. flava and T. geniculata hyper-accumulated Hg. Mean removal efficiencies ranged from 40-80%, 48-54%, 44-54%, 18-32% and 8-38% respectively for Fe, Hg, Zn, Pb and Cu. The removal efficiencies of the species differed depending on the metal. L. flava, T. latifolia and T.geniculata were most efficient (p < 0.001) at removing Fe, Cu and Pb respectively. Both T. geniculata and T. latifolia appeared to remove zinc better than L. flava (p < 0.021), but there was no statistically significant difference in the removal rates of Hg by the plants. Similar trends were observed for the bioaccumulation factor, which increased substantially with time. The plants accumulated most of the metals in their roots. The findings demonstrate the capabilities of the three phytoremediants for improving the quality of irrigation water used for vegetable production.

Source: KNUST
Phytoremediation Of Some Heavy Metals From Mined Soils: A Case Study Of Bontesso In Amansie West District, Ghana.

Bioremediation is a promising technique presently being practiced to extract heavy metals from mined tailings on commercial scale in many developed countries. This technology of remediating heavy metals contaminated soils has overriding advantage on conventional technologies. The hyperaccumulation potential of four plant species, Chromolaena ordorata (CO), Paspalum vaginantum (PV), Chrysopogon zizanioides (CZ) and Cynodon dactylon (CD) were evaluated using soil polluted by mining activities from Bontesso in the Amansie West District of Ashanti Region of Ghana. Nine treatments were used in the study: Control, CO, CZ, PV, CD, CO+PV, CO+CD, CZ+PV and CZ+CD samples. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with six replicates. The soils’ physico-chemical properties and the concentration of some selected heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb) were determined. Plant growth and dynamics of pH, electrical conductivity and heavy metals concentrations in the soil were monitored for a nine-week study period. Accumulation, bioaccumulation and translocation potentials were determined. Okro and tomato were cultivated on treated soils and concentrations of metals in the crops were determined. The results of the study show that, soil in the study area are acidic with average pH range of 5.71-6.24 and of loamy-sand texture. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and Phosphorous contents are 0.21 %, 0.09 % and 4.79 mg/kg soil, respectively. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Ni, As and Cd 40.22, 30.54, 23.58, 6.18 and 0.27 mg/kg, respectively) in the area are generally below the permissible limits set by WHO. Combined use of CO and PV (CO+PV) plant species resulted in higher reductions in the concentrations of all measured metals from the soil. The species accumulation and bioaccumulation factors also show their specific metal affinity and time limitation for their application. The implication of this research is to help reduce threats on national food security and to increase the food buscket as far as agriculture is concerned.

Source: KNUST
Pilot column studies on Adsorption of Fluoride onto coated high aluminion content bauxite ore (HABO) and charcoal

The quality of drinking water is important for public safety and quality of life. Fluoride contamination in drinking water due to natural and anthropogenic activities has been recognized as one of the major problems worldwide imposing serious threat to human health. Fluoride concentrations in drinking water above 1.5mg/L may be determined to human health................................................................

Source: KNUST
The place of therapeutic art in the rehabilitation of discharged psychiatric patients in Ghana: a case study of the Kumasi Cheshire home

This study investigates the place of therapeutic Art in the rehabilitation process of discharged psychiatric patients in the Kumasi Cheshire Home. It also identifies, examines and critically analyses rehabilitation ingredients employed in the Kumasi Cheshire Home which is a community based mental health rehabilitation centre in Kumasi; it assesses the place of creative art works. The study evaluates the Kumasi Cheshire Home as a concept of community-based mental health centre in Ghana. The stratified sampling method of analysis was adopted with the assumption that the findings would be representative of Ghanaian populace. The findings indicate that therapeutic art as known elsewhere does not exist in the Kumasi Cheshire I-Tome owing to deficiencies in the definition of therapeutic art in the Home. Nevertheless, art works of residents are useful in the diagnosis of residents and as a mode of treatment. The strengths and weaknesses of the Kumasi Cheshire Home have been identified with a view to rectifying the weaknesses to enhance the efforts of the rehabilitation process of the Kumasi Cheshire Home as a Community-based Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre.

Source: KNUST
PINGS (Phone-Based Intervention Under Nurse Guidance After Stroke) Interim Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose—Stroke exacts an immense toll in sub-Saharan Africa where there are few resources, and stroke prevention research is limited. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an m-Health technology–enabled, nurse-guided intervention in improving blood pressure (BP) control among Ghanaian stroke patients within 1 month of symptom onset. Methods—We conducted a 2-arm cluster pilot randomized controlled trial involving 60 recent stroke survivors encountered within a single tertiary medical system in Ghana. Subjects in the intervention arm (n=30) received a Blue-toothed UA- 767Plus BT BP device and smartphone for monitoring and reporting BP measurements and medication intake for 3 months compared with standard of care (n=30). Primary outcome measure was systolic BP <140 mm Hg at month 3; secondary outcomes included medication adherence and autonomous self-regulation. Analysis accounting for clustering was made using generalized linear mixed model by intention to treat. Results—Mean±SD age was 55±13 years, 65% male. Systolic BP <140 mm Hg at month 3 was found in 20/30 subjects (66.7%) in the intervention arm versus 14/30 subjects (46.7%) in the control arm (P=0.12). Medication possession ratio scores at month 3 were better in the intervention (0.88±0.40) versus control (0.64±0.45) arm (P=0.03). One subject in control arm died from a recurrent hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions—It is feasible to conduct an m-Health–based, nurse-guided BP control intervention among recent stroke patients in sub-Saharan Africa. We observed a potential signal of efficacy with the intervention, which will need to be tested in a future large definitive study.

Source: KNUST
Pilot Randomized Double-Blind Trial of Treatment of Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease (Buruli Ulcer) with Topical Nitrogen Oxides

Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer) is a serious ulcerating skin disease which is common in many tropical countries. Standard treatment, by extensive excision and skin grafting, is not available in rural communities where the disease is common. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with topical nitrogen oxides. Thirty-seven patients with a clinical diagnosis of Buruli ulcer caused by M. ulcerans disease were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In one group, two creams containing sodium nitrite (6%, wt/wt) or citric acid monohydrate (9%, wt/wt) were applied daily for 6 weeks, while the other group received a placebo. In the second 6 weeks, both groups received the nitrogen oxide-generating combination of creams. Treatment was continued for another 4 weeks for patients whose ulcers were not healed after 12 weeks. The ulcer surface area was monitored by weekly tracings made by assessors blinded to the treatment. In the first 6 weeks, patients on sodium nitrite and citric acid monohydrate (group I, active treatment) showed a rapid decrease in ulcer size from 28.6 5.6 cm2 (mean standard error) to 12.6 3.2 cm2, a decrease significantly greater than that in group II (from 15.3 3.1 to 11.7 3.7 cm2; P 0.03). Five ulcers in the placebo group enlarged during this period, compared with one in the active group. In the second 6 weeks (both groups on active treatment), the rates of healing were similar for the two groups and there was a significant reduction in ulcer size in group II (previously on placebo) compared to the first 6 weeks. Yellow pigmentation of the skin, which disappeared 3 days after treatment was stopped, was the only side effect to date. We conclude that creams releasing nitrogen oxides increase the healing rate of ulcers caused by M. ulcerans infection with minimal adverse events. This is the first controlled trial of any form of therapy which demonstrates efficacy in treating this disease.

Source: KNUST
The place of graphic design in national development

In developing Countries, national development has been the subject of concern over the years. In Ghana, this phenomenon has resulted in the organisation of seminars and conferences, the embarkation on various development programmes such as “Self Reliance”, “Operation Feed Yourself”, Health for All By The Year 2,000”, Clean up Campaigns and National Mobilisation Programmes. It has also resulted in the making of new policies such as the quite recent one concerning the education reform in Ghana. For these programmes to be very successful, the communication gap between the policy makers and organizers and the general public needs to be bridged for understanding and motivation to occur. At this juncture, it is expedient for people to kwon that graphic design products serve as one of the best tools, if not the best, for successful communication so that good use can be made of them in the bid to realise growth in all areas of development in the nation. In Ghana, the major areas of development have been identified as Education, Agriculture, Health, Industry, Science and Technology. This thesis, therefore, seeks to bring to the awareness of the general public the role that graphic design plays in these various areas of national development. It is divided into seven chapters. The first one is the introduction which deals with the problem and its setting. The second is a review of related literature. The third chapter discusses the scope of graphic design. The fourth chapter examines the place of graphic design in school education while the fifth studies the place of graphic design in public education. Chapter six also discusses the role of graphic design in industrial development and chapter seven outlines some recommendations and the conclusion of the thesis. This study was conducted through library studies, critical observation, personal experience and interviews and by visiting various shops, chapels and places of work. It is hoped that this study would be used to enlighten people all over the world.

Source: KNUST
A plan for Tikurom and construction of three pit latrines

Large towns that can be called urban number about 981 and obtain a population of about one and a half million which is about only 23 per cent of total population of Ghana, The majority of the settlements in Ghana are therefore rural end the few which have urban features still retain so many rural characteristics. Developments are however centred in the big towns and cities and hardly any planning scheme is prepared for villages ; nor do they see any .form of development taking place for a long time. Although the answer to development does not wholly lie in self-help i there are a number of projects which can be undertaken through self-help to improve the standard of living in the rural areas, such as the construction of latrines, school blocks, roads and bridges. But there is lack of initiative, enthusiasm and technical knowledge among most of our villages. Besides, most of the villagers feel that since they pay tax it is the responsibility of the government to develop their environment for them. Few villagers are aware of their economic potentialities nor make the attempt to improve their own environment. This great planning problem is, therefore, the main concern of the report. In an attempt to provide the best possible training for men end women who will 'help find solutions to planning problems In small settlements. and as part, of course, require¬ments for diploma, students in Physical Planning, the Faculty of architecture expects Students to go through the complete process of planning, provide basic data for planning, give direction and encouragement to villages to undertake development projects through self-help and community development techniques. Organization of Rest, of Report The rest of this report is divided into six chapters, Chapter One deals with the survey methods used and the selection of Tikurom as a project village. Chapter Two is concerned with basic planning data. Chapter three attempts to utilize the available data to develop solutions for the village problems. In the form of a layout design. The next chapter deals with implementation of planning proposals.. It describes in detail the construction of a project, that is, a pit latrine. Alluvial sand deposits in the Kumasi area is the theme of Chapter Five while the last Chapter summarises the problems of rural development, the objectives of the author and recommends some ways of implementing future projects.

Source: KNUST
Planning and Scheduling Techniques Adopted By Financial Class A1B1 and A2B2 Road Construction Firms in Ghana

Planning and scheduling of construction works are fundamental to successful project delivery. Planning and scheduling is useful in the delivery of construction projects within budget; judicious use of resources such as labour, plants and equipment and time. In spite of their usefulness in the construction of projects such as roads, planning and scheduling has not been a smooth process and the construction industry for that matter road contractors have not achieve much success. Clearly, poor road construction planning and scheduling has resulted into waste of resources leading to delayed project completion. Furthermore poor planning and scheduling has led to the idleness of key road construction resources notably labour, plant and equipment and increase in construction cost as a result of delay in project completion. Similarly, the planning and scheduling of construction activities using inappropriate planning and scheduling techniques is common among planners and schedulers in the industry. In the light of this, the conduct of this study was to explore construction planning and scheduling among class A1B1 and A2B2 road contractors in Ghana in order to improve upon the existing planning and scheduling techniques. To attain this aim, a quantitative approach was adopted using structured survey questionnaire to collect data from respondents which yielded a response rate of 79%. The study uncovered existing planning and scheduling tools in the road construction sector as bar charts/Gantt chart; programme evaluation and review technique (PERT); critical path method (CPM); and flow charts. Also the study found Microsoft Project as the main computer software for planning and scheduling road construction works while the resources needed for successful planning and scheduling were found to be the bills of quantities; designs and drawings; construction method statements; specification; site conditions; local resources; market survey; project planning data; and technical and commercial studies documents. In view of the findings of this study, it is recommended that the findings of this study in relation to the processes for planning and scheduling must be adhered to during road construction planning and scheduling. Also documents and resources required for road construction planning and scheduling must always be made available before the commencement of planning and scheduling. Likewise, there should be proper record and document management in order to effective plan and schedule road construction activities. Finally, higher level tools such as mathematical programming; heuristic models; and evolutionary algorithm are employed for effective and precision planning and scheduling of road construction works.

Source: KNUST
Planning and controlling of capital mining projects at Ashanti Goldfields corporation -a case study

This thesis work aims at designing procedures for Planning, scheduling and Controlling of Capital mining projects in Ghanaian mines. Ashanti Goldfields Corporation was chosen for case study because it has embarked upon five and a half years expansion programmes involving many capital projects. Among the projects on which data was available was the Backfill pilot plant (Hydraulic) project and so was chosen for a case study. Although there are several ways of planning and controlling capital projects the CPM was adopted because with the CPM a fixed schedule is determined for each activity, based on realistic time estimates. CPM/TIME, CPM/COST, normal and crash times and costs were applied. The study revealed that when the activities involved in a capital project are properly co-ordinated; ability of the system to follow job sequence logic rules an appropriate completion time could be estimated. The application of good control techniques as proposed in the work could help, to bring capital projects to completion as scheduled as or much earlier than planned.

Source: KNUST