ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The hydrochemistry of water resources in selected mining communities in Tarkwa

Tarkwa is one of the most heavily mined localities in Ghana. Mining activities are associated with the release of toxic chemicals into the environment which pollute water resources in mining communities within the catchment of mines. The study was undertaken in communities within the catchment of three mining companies in Tarkwa to find out the impact of mining on the water quality of these settlements. The research was conducted by taken water samples of both surface and groundwater within these communities for laboratory analysis using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) to determine the concentration levels of elements in the water. The analysis showed that, concentration levels of certain elements namely, iron, cadmium, copper, cyanide, arsenic and zinc were beyond allowable limits of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana Standards Board (GSB) and Ghana Water Company (GWC) guidelines for drinking water in certain samples confirming the communities' perception that, their water resources are polluted owing to the mining activities. Excess levels of iron and arsenic were found in 65% of samples, cadmium 23%, copper 58%, cyanide 12%, and zinc 42%. Concentration levels of 3.75. mg/l and 1.76. mg/l of iron and arsenic were detected in certain samples. Maximum concentration level for cadmium was 0.37. mg/l, copper 7.45. mg/l, cyanide 8. mg/l and zinc 10.2. mg/l. Toxicity level of other elements such as mercury, lead, chloride, nitrates and others was low. Except mercury and cyanide whose presence in the environment is introduced by mining activities, the presence of other elements in water resources is mobilized from weathered rocks of the underlying geology. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Source: UG
The Hydroethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Tieghemella heckelii (A.Chev.) Pierre ex Dubard (Sapotaceae) Produced N-Methyl-D Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor-Dependent Analgesia and Attenuates Acute Inflammatory Pain via Disruption of Oxidative Stress

The Clinical Pathology Department conducts research that contributes to intervention strategies and safeguards of public health in Ghana. In view of this the Department carries out research into plant medicine development, drug interactions and regulation, bio-monitoring and prevention of poisoning from environmental toxicants (e.g. mycotoxins specifically aflatoxins and toxic heavy metals). The Department also provides specialized laboratory services in support of public health programmes.

Source: UG
Hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater in the lower Offin basin, Ghana

Alumino-silicate mineral dissolution, cation exchange, reductive dissolution of hematite and goethite, oxidation of pyrite and arsenopyrite are processes that influence groundwater quality in the Offin Basin. The main aim of this study was to characterise groundwater and delineate relevant water-rock interactions that control the evolution of water quality in Offin Basin, a major gold mining area in Ghana. Boreholes, dug wells, springs and mine drainage samples were analysed for major ions, minor and trace elements. Major ion study results show that the groundwater is, principally, Ca-Mg-HCO3 or Na-Mg-Ca-HCO3 in character, mildly acidic and low in conductivity. Groundwater acidification is principally due to natural biogeochemical processes. Though acidic, the groundwater has positive acid neutralising potential provided by the dissolution of alumino-silicates and mafic rocks. Trace elements' loading (except arsenic and iron) of groundwater is generally low. Reductive dissolution of iron minerals in the presence of organic matter is responsible for high-iron concentration in areas underlain by granitoids. Elsewhere pyrite and arsenopyrite oxidation is the plausible process for iron and arsenic mobilisation. Approximately 19 and 46% of the boreholes have arsenic and iron concentrations exceeding the WHO's (Guidelines for drinking water quality. Final task group meeting. WHO Press, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2004) maximum acceptable limits of 10 μg l-1 and 0.3 mg l -1, for drinking water. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.

Source: UG
Hydrogeochemical study on the contamination of water resources in a part of Tarkwa mining area, Western Ghana

The aim of this study was to investigate the groundwater chemistry with special concern to metal pollution in selected communities in the Wassa West district, Ghana. In this mining area, 40 ground water samples, mainly from drilled wells, were collected. The groundwaters have generally from neutral to acidic pH values and their Eh values indicate oxidising conditions. The dominating ions are calcium, sodium, and bicarbonate. The metal concentrations in the study area are generally lower than those typically found in mining regions. Only 17 wells show metal concentrations exceeding WHO guidelines for at least one metal. The main contaminants are manganese and iron, but arsenic and aluminium also exceed the guidelines in some wells probably affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). Metal concentrations in the groundwater seem to be controlled by the adsorption processes. Hydrogeochemical modelling indicates supersaturation of groundwater with respect to several mineral phases including iron-hydroxides/oxides, suggesting that adsorption on these minerals may control heavy metal and arsenic concentrations in groundwater. The area is hilly, with many groundwater flow divides that result in several local flow systems. The aquifers therefore are not strongly affected by weathering of minerals due to short groundwater residence times and intense flushing. The local character of groundwater flow systems also prevents a strong impact of acid mine drainage on groundwater systems in a regional scale. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UG
Hydrogeological and hydrochemical characterization of the Voltaian Basin: The Afram Plains area, Ghana

In the Afram Plains area, groundwater is the main source of water supply for most uses. The area is underlain by aquifers of the southern Voltaian sedimentary basin, which are predominantly sandstones, mudstones, conglomerates and shale. Ordinary least squares regression analysis using 41 well-test data from aquifers in the Afram Plains portion of the Voltaian system reveals that transmissivity, T, exists in a non-linear relationship with specific capacity, Sc. The analysis reveals that T = 0.769Sc1.075 with R 2 = 0.83 for aquifers in the area. The mudstone/conglomerate aquifer in the area appears to be the most variable in terms of both specific capacity and transmissivity with transmissivity ranging from 0.18 to 197.7 m2/day and 0.5 and 148.5 m3/day/m, respectively. Horizontal fractures and joints resulting from secondary fracturing appear to be the main determinants of both transmissivity and specific capacity in the area. PHREEQC modeling and mineral stability diagrams indicate that groundwater quality in the Afram Plains area is controlled by the incongruent weathering of silicate minerals in the aquifers. These processes concentrate calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate ion and quartz, leading to calcite, dolomite and aragonite supersaturation at most locations. Hierarchical cluster analysis performed on the raw chemical data reveals two main water types or facies: the calcium-sodium-chloride-bicarbonate facies, and the magnesium-potassium-sulfate- nitrate facies for the southern and northern sections of the Afram Plains area, respectively. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.

Source: UG
Hydrogeological characterization of a tropical crystalline aquifer system

This research used a numerical groundwater flow model, calibrated under steady-state conditions to develop the groundwater flow system in the West Mamprusi District of Northern Ghana. It was aimed at conceptualizing the flow system to initiate a thorough hydrogeological study of the rocks in the area. Stable isotopes were used to relate groundwater recharge in the area to recent meteoric water that had been evaporated in transit down the surficial material. On this basis, direct vertical groundwater recharge from precipitation was applied in the numerical modeling. This study suggests that the prospects of commercial development of the aquifers are high as the estimated recharge ranges between 3.3% and 29% of the annual precipitation. Estimated horizontal hydraulic conductivity ranges between 3.2 and 48 m/d in the area. The variability in the horizontal hydraulic conductivity has led to the development of four prominent groundwater flowpaths in the area. However, a prominent NE–SW flow has been observed and is in consonance with the reported structural grain of the country. A groundwater flow divide noted in the southern part of the study area has been attributed to the structural heterogeneity rather than topographical complexities as the area is largely flat. © 2014 IAHR and WCCE.

Source: UG
Hydrogeological Conditions of a Crystalline Aquifer: Simulation of Optimal Abstraction Rates under Scenarios of Reduced Recharge

A steady state numerical groundwater flow model has been calibrated to characterize the spatial distribution of a key hydraulic parameter in a crystalline aquifer in southwestern Ghana. This was to provide an initial basis for characterizing the hydrogeology of the terrain with a view to assisting in the large scale development of groundwater resources for various uses.The results suggest that the structural entities that control groundwater occurrence in the area are quite heterogeneous in their nature and orientation, ascribing hydraulic conductivity values in the range of 4.5 m/d to over 70m/d to the simulated aquifer. Aquifer heterogeneities, coupled possibly with topographical trends, have led to the development of five prominent groundwater flowpaths in the area. Estimated groundwater recharge at calibration ranges between 0.25% and 9.13% of the total annual rainfall and appears to hold significant promise for large-scale groundwater development to support irrigation schemes. However, themodel suggests that with reduced recharge by up to 30% of the current rates, the system can only sustain increased groundwater abstraction by up to 150% of the current abstraction rates. Prudent management of the resource will require amuch more detailed hydrogeological study that identifies all the aquifers in the basin for the assessment of sustainable basin yield.

Source: UG
Hydrogeology and groundwater resources of Ghana: A review of the hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of Ghana

This paper surveys the aquifers and the groundwater resources landscape in Ghana to identify the critical resource issues constraining the development and management of groundwater throughout the country. The research is based on a collation of the recent data on the hydrogeological properties of the different geological terrains in the country. This study finds that there are five main hydrogeological provinces distinguished by their well yields, lithology, and groundwater quality. This latest hydrogeological zonation, which is an improvement over previous works consists of the Birimian Province, the Crystalline Basement Granitoid Complex Province, the Voltaian Province, the Pan African Province, and Coastal Sedimentary Province. The hydrogeological properties of each province are discussed. The most prolific aquifers in the country have been identified among the fractured and weathered zones within the Togo Series, Buem Formation, Birimian and Tarkwaian System rocks. Aquifers of these rock formations also offer groundwater of the best quality for most uses in the country. Hydrochemical data gathered from wells drilled through all the hydrogeological terrains in the country for this study suggest that groundwater hydrochemistry is controlled principally by the weathering of silicate minerals and cation exchange activity. These processes are pervasive throughout the country. In isolated areas, groundwater contamination due to domestic waste discharge and agricultural activities has been noted. Four groundwater types have been identified based on Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis and conventional graphical methods. In the coastal areas such as the Keta basin, seawater intrusion has been identified as one of the major influences on hydrochemistry of groundwater in the shallow unconfined aquifers. On the basis of the hydrochemistry, groundwater suitability for irrigation purposes is copiously discussed. The aquifer management problems can be posed as follows. There is inadequate knowledge base of the aquifer geometry and safe yield characteristics of most of the aquifers in the country. There is also inadequate information to address the status and trends in groundwater quality for most areas of the country. The following emerging issues have been identified: anthropogenic effects on groundwater quality; salt-water intrusion in coastal aquifers, groundwater depletion or inadequate supplies from groundwater to meet human needs; uncertainties about recharge and sustainability due to increased abstraction; as well as lack of institutional capacity to respond adequately to sustainable groundwater use. Recommendations to ameliorate these problems include the strengthening of institutional capacity for comprehensive national evaluation of groundwater resources, including aquifer delineation and pro-active strategies to reduce groundwater abstraction to safe yield levels and adoption of aquifer protection strategies for overall protection of groundwater quality. © 2011 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Hydrologic fluxes in the Volta River watershed : A paleo-terrestrial environment in West Africa

The hydrologic cycle plays an important role in carbon cycling, due to the coupling of vapour release and CO2 uptake during photosynthesis. This coupling, expressed as water use efficiency of transpiration ratio, can provide an inexpensive alternative for estimating the Net Primary Productivity (NPP) of terrestrial ecosystem. Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen and long-term hydrologic and meteorological data together with stoichiometric relations of water and carbon are used to constrain water and carbon balances for the Volta River watershed. Soils annually respire 0.199 Pg C, and the balance of these fluxes or Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) is +0.029 Pg C Yr-1, implying an annual flux of CO2 to the atmosphere. Annually, the Volta river watershed receives about 380 km3 of rainfall. Approximately 50% of this volume of water is returned to the atmosphere through plant transpiration. Associated with annual transpiration flux is a carbon flux of 0.170 × 1015 g C yr-1 or 428 g C m-2 yr-1 from the terrestrial ecosystem. Modeled estimates of heterotrophic soil respiration exceed slightly the NPP estimate, implying that carbon flux to and from the Volta river watershed is close to being in balance or the watershed is a small annual source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. In addition to terrestrial carbon flux, the balance of photosynthesis and respiration in Volta Lake is also examined. The lake was found to release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, although the magnitude of the flux is smaller than that of the terrestrial ecosystem.

Source: UG
Hydrotherapy versus land-based exercises in the management of chronic low back pain: A comparative study.

Purpose: The study compared the efficacy of hydrotherapy and land-based exercises in the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Twelve patients diagnosed with CLBP were randomly assigned into either hydrotherapy or land-based exercise groups. Similar exercises were prescribed for both groups throughout the 6-week program. The treatment outcome measures were Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Modified Schober Flexion Technique (MSFT) and Modified Schober Extension Technique (MSET). Participants were assessed at baseline and after six weeks by an independent assessor. Paired t-test was used to compare within group scores whilst between-group comparison of post-treatment outcomes was analyzed using unpaired t-test. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean (standard deviation) duration of symptoms for land-based and hydrotherapy groups were 48.5 (37.39) months and 66.0 (48.45) months, respectively. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between the pre-treatment and post-treatment VAS, MSFT and MSET for the hydrotherapy groups. Whilst the VAS and MSET scores were significantly different (p < 0.05) from baseline scores in land group, the MSET failed to show any significant difference. Comparison of both groups showed hydrotherapy group scoring significantly higher (p < 0.05) only on MSFT than land group. Conclusion: The two exercise media were relevant in the management of CLBP, though hydrotherapy seems to be better for spinal flexibility, thus serving as a better alternative in clinical practice.

Source: UG
Hypermethylation of Genes Detected in Urine from Ghanaian Adults with Bladder Pathology Associated with Schistosoma haematobium Infection

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Hypersaline lagoons as conservation habitats: Macro-invertebrates at Muni Lagoon, Ghana

A survey on the aquatic ecology of Muni Lagoon was carried out during the period December 1993 to July 1994. Samples of zooplankton, aufwuchs and benthos were taken from a number of stations, representative of the different habitat types that occurred in the lagoon. The aquatic invertebrate fauna of the lagoon is listed and the temporal and spatial distribution of the fauna is described. The fauna is depauperate and biodiversity was related closely to the hydrology and salinity of the lagoon waters. During the early part of the study period, with dry weather conditions, there was very little macro-invertebrate life within the waters of the lagoon. The invertebrate fauna was confined to crabs, which occupied the fringing vegetation in the southernmost portions of the lagoon. With the onset of rains and the flooding of the lagoon, the sand bar separating the lagoon from the sea was opened turning the lagoon into a tidal system. This event brought a radical change to the fauna of the lagoon with very diverse marine zooplankton in some stations. Within weeks, worms and juvenile crabs were found several kilometers inland from the sea opening, an indication of the rapid re-colonisation of a previously hypersaline environment. The anthropogenic threats to the aquatic portion of this Ramsar site have been assessed and prioritised.

Source: UG
Hypersegmented neutrophils and reversible hyperpigmentation in vitamin B(12) deficiency in Ghana.

The present report concerns three cases of vitamin B(12) deficiency in Ghana. One case presented in the expected textbook manner with neurological signs, anaemia and a low serum vitamin B(12) level, whereas another presented with anaemia and hyperpigmentation, but a high serum vitamin B(12) level. Both responded well to treatment with vitamin B(12). It is suggested from the literature that the high serum vitamin B(12) may have been the result of high intrinsic factor antibodies. The third patient presented with haemolytic anaemia with depression, and was managed as such initially. She responded well, with a normalisation of haemoglobin levels. Persisting vague neurological symptoms lead to a check of serum vitamin B(12), which was found to be low. Her symptoms cleared with vitamin B(12) treatment. The need for a pragmatic approach in diagnosing vitamin B(12) deficiency is stressed.

Source: UG
Hypertension and associated factors among patients attending HIV clinic at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among patients attending the HIV clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Design: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at KBTH. The prevalence of hypertension was estimated among study participants, and socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, metabolic and HIV/ART-related factors associated with hypertension were determined by logistic regression modelling. Setting: Study participants were recruited from the HIV clinic at the KBTH. Participants: A total of 311 Persons Living with HIV were recruited as study participants Interventions: Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. A questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk-factor surveillance was used to collect study participants' data. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 36.7%, and the factors associated with hypertension were increasing age, positive family history of hypertension, minimal exercising, current BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 , total cholesterol level ≥5.17 mmol/L, exposure to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and increasing duration of ART exposure. Conclusions: This study shows a high prevalence of hypertension among patients attending the HIV clinic at KBTH, associated with exposure to ART and increasing duration of this exposure. Blood pressure monitoring should move from routine to a more purposeful screening of patients for hypertension. Patients with the identified risk factors should be encouraged to have regular blood pressure measurements at home and not only when they visit the HIV clinic.

Source: UG
Hypertension And Diabetes Control: Faith-Based Centres Offer A Promise For Expanding Screening Services And Linkage To Care In Ghana.

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
Hypertension awareness, treatment and control in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Objective: This study assessed the rates of hypertension awareness, treatment and control as well as the socio-economic and demographic correlates in Ghana. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. We used wave 1 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) conducted between 2007and 2008. The sample was 5526 respondents aged 18 years and above. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the respondents and binary logistic regression was used to determine the correlates of hypertension awareness, treatment and control. Results: The hypertension prevalence was 58.9%. About 19.0% of the individuals living with hypertension were aware of their hypertension; 67.6% of those who were aware of their hypertension were treating the condition, and; 11.6% of those who were on treatment had their hypertension controlled. Age, place of residence, level of education, employment status, ethnicity, and religion were associated with hypertension awareness and treatment. None of the factors was associated with hypertension control. Conclusion: Our study suggests high hypertension prevalence in Ghana, with low rates of awareness, treatment and control. Socio-economic and demographic factors are essential correlates of hypertension awareness and treatment in Ghana. The findings indicate the need to develop pragmatic intervention approaches such as rigorous education programs and use of the task-shifting system, in addressing hypertension and issues related to it.

Source: UG