ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A study of copper sorption in soils as influenced by soil characteristics using a laboratory column leaching technique

Copper (Cu) is essential to plant metabolism, but when present in bioavailable forms at excessive levels, has the potential to become toxic to plants. It is frequently measured for regulatory decision making on toxicity levels in soils. Decisions on the utilization or containment of potential Cu toxicity require an understanding of its behaviour in the soil. Two experiments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with four replications each, were therefore carried out separately, to assess the distribution of Cu in the soil as affected by selected soil characteristics. The treatments were 0.00, 12.33, 18.50 and 24.70 g/m2 Nordox powder per column with an area of 81.04 cm2. Two different soils, Nta and Temang soil series, (Gleyic Arenosol and Eutric Dysteric Gleysol, respectively.) made up of different parent materials were used for the studies. The study showed that Cu sorption increased with increasing soil organic matter content and confirmed soil organic matter as an important accumulator of Cu. This was further supported by the positive correlation between Cu and SOM with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.999 and 0.996 under the Nta and Temang soil series respectively. Whilst the correlation between CEC and Cu sorption was positive in the Nta series, it was negative in the Temang series. Generally, copper sorption reduced with increasing soil depth along the soil column in both series. The increased contact time between the leaching solute and the top soil increased Cu sorption in the topsoil than the subsoil. The clay content did not show any regular pattern with Cu sorption. Copper sorption to the soil matrix increased with increasing pH in both soil types, but the effect was much more pronounced in the Nta series which generally recorded higher soil pH values than Temang series. Nta series adsorbed more Cu than the Temang series at all levels of Cu application. The increased sorption could be due to the relatively higher SOC content and pH of the Nta than Temang series. The results showed the annual Cu movement in the soil to be 4.17 and 4.58 cm y-1 for the Nta and Temang series respectively. Also, copper would require about 40 and 76 years to reach the aquifer in Nta and Temang soil series, respectively. Continuous application of Cu-based fungicides to agricultural soils containing little amounts of organic matter should be exercised with caution as its accumulation may reach toxic levels. Continuous application of Cu may equally have serious groundwater contamination implications especially under low soil reaction conditions. Industries processing heavy metals can set up large column leaching apparatus to clean industrial effluents before disposing them into the environment.

Source: KNUST
A study of bittng patterns in anopheles gambiae sensu lato (S.l.)

The recent evidence indicating a modification in the biting pattern of vector populations could pose a challenge to the increased use of Insecticide treated bed nets as a malaria vector control strategy. This modification includes adaptation to biting humans when they are out of bed that is early evening and dawn together with increased outdoor biting. This modification might not necessarily be as a result of an adaptive change in vector behaviour but due to selective pressure against mosquitoes biting when bed nets are in use. This study therefore seeks to determine if discrete vector populations with specific biting times exist within Anopheles gambiae populations. An. gambiae sampled from 6pm to 6am in the field were pooled into four categories based on their time of biting; 6pm-9pm, 9pm-12am, 12am-3am and 3am-6am. Generations were raised on which feeding experiment and selection were performed. Non anophelines were separated from anophelines and PCR run on An. gambiae for species identification and molecular forms. An. gambiae formed the dominant species comprising 90.7% (739/815), 7.6% (62/815) for Culex species, 0.6% (5/815) for Mansonia, 0.5% (4/815) for Aedes, 0.5% (4/815) for An. funestus species and the least being An. pharoensis with 0.1% (1/815). Anopheles sampled comprised of An. gambiae (99.3%), An. funestus (0.5%) and An. pharoensis (0.1%) [n=744]. Different numbers of F1 and F2 progeny were obtained and used for feeding experiments for the different time groups. The percentages for the F1 groups that fed at same time periods as parents in the field (compared with feeding at other time points pooled together) were 90.5% (P=0.013) for 9pm-12am, 66.3% (P=0.029) for 12-3am and 62.3% (P=<0.0001) for 3-6am, whilst F2 had100% (P=0.228) for 9-12am and 91.2% (P=0.037) for 12-3am. The comparison of the feeding frequencies of F1 and F2 progeny for the time groups were [9pm-12am, F1 = 90.5% (38/42) and F2 = 100% (12/12)] and [12am-3pm, F1 = 66.3% (252/380) and F2 = 91.2% (52/57)]. However, irrespective of the period F1 and F2 from different collection times were exposed to feed, a high proportion was found to take a blood meal. PCR run on 138 Anopheles gambiae showed 97.1% An. gambiae s.s. with no amplification for 2.9%. Furthermore, 134 Anopheles gambiae s.s. which were identified by PCR and subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for the various molecular forms gave 94.8% S forms and 5.2% M forms. Vector behaviours such as host preference, biting pattern and resting have been linked to genetic influence but results obtained for F1 and F2 generations showed otherwise probably due to extrinsic factors.

Source: KNUST
A study of farm input supply in the West Gonja District: implications for smallholder development

The population of the West Gonja District is increasing at an annual rate of 4.2 percent while agricultural productivity is rather very low. To be able to feed the present and. the future population, agricultural production, especially food crops production must increase at an applicable rater. The farmers who will increase agricultural production are mainly smallholders (over 80 percent) who continue to employ traditional technology in farming. This prompted the present study which seeks to investigate the circumstances of the smallholders in relation to the availability and use of improved farm inputs especially fertilizers which increase agricultural productivity, several folds, and all other condition being suitable. Literature is cited on some theories and practice of input supplies. Examples of farm input supplies as practiced both in Ghana and elsewhere are also cited. A conceptual framework is also advanced to give some support to the examples of experience cited and to throw some light on the various factors affecting inputs supplies. The need for an effective supply system for agricultural inputs is also highlighted. Data for the study were collected from both secondary and primary sources. The secondary sources included mainly library research. Primary data were collected by administering interviews schedules inn a Smallholder Household Survey in four settlements: Damongo, Buipe, Daboya and Mpaha officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Parastatals as well as private companies involved in farm input supply were also interviewed The analysis of data gathered is based on the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder farmers which are likely to influence their adoption of improved technology. Factors such as transportation and warehousing and other social and technical infrastructure which are likely to affect input distribution, as well as government agricultural policies are also analysed and their implication noted Major findings from the analysis and their implications for smallholder development are also given. Based on the major findings and implications, recommendations are offered for the development of smallholder farming in particular and agriculture as a whole in the West Gonja District and Ghana in general Conclusions are drawn from these and the need for future research into the farm input supply system echoed.

Source: KNUST
A study of environmental radon concentration anomalies for earthquake prediction in Southern Ghana

Radon concentrations in relation to seismic activity have been monitored on a 1 km2 piece of land situated at Tuba, a village which is about 22 km from Accra, off the Accra-Winneba trunk- road. This area is known to be within the most seismically active zone along the coast of West Africa. The CR-39 and the can technique were used. Three diffident sets of measurements were made. The mean Radon concentration values obtained were as follows: 8.67 ± 0.11 kBq m-3 , for the period 25th November – 16th December, 1996; 4.21 ± 0.08 kBq m-3, for the period 10th February – 3rd March, 1997; 3.64 ± 0.06 kBq m-3, for the period 4th – 25th March, 1997. The rather anomalous value of 8.67 ± 0.11 for the period 25th November -16th December, 1996 was most likely due to a precursory Radon emanation of the Jar1rr7 8, 1997 earthquake event. The overall range and mean radon concentrations for the whole period of survey were 2.00 - 9.99 kBq m-3 and 5.51 ± 0.08 kBq m-3 respectively.

Source: KNUST
Study Of Groundwater Potential At Three Selected Communities In Ejisu – Juaben And Atwima – Kwanwoma Districts Using Electrical And Electromagnetic Techniques

Geophysical methods namely electrical resistivity and the ground penetrating radar were used to delineate potential zones of groundwater in three selected communities in the Ejisu – Juaben and Atwima – Kwawoma districts in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The ABEM Terrameter was employed for the electrical measurement using the Schlumberger protocol. The point of investigation of the VES measurement was at the middle of the profile where borehole existed. The MALA GPR equipment with the unshielded rough terrain antennae of a central frequency of 50 MHz was used for the GPR data collection. Results of the electrical resistivity method showed a highly porous and weathered subsurface with three layers. The average resistivity and thickness of the three stratigraphic layers were found to be in the ranges with of (124 – 191 Ωm and 1.6 – 2.3 m), (78 – 536 Ωm and 13.7 – 18 m) and (149 - 1589 Ωm and >18 m) respectively. The depth to the bedrock was estimated to be 25 m. Radargram sections produced from the GPR depicted a fractured subsurface indicating the presence of a shallow aquifer zone at an average depth of 14 m. The calculated relative dielectric coefficients of the soil layers indicated varied compositions of lateritic sand and clay as the upper layer. Beneath these are fractured and weathered granites.

Source: KNUST
A study of greenhouse gas emissions through application of mineral and organic nitrogenous fertilizer sources

Agricultural practices contribute largely to emissions of the greenhouse gases especially CO2, CH4 and N2O, which potentially affect climate change mainly through trapping of long wave radiation emitted from the earth. This study was aimed at determining the emissions of these three important greenhouse gases (GHGs) released from two different agricultural soil types, two organic and two inorganic fertilizers known to potentially contribute to GHG emissions and hence, climate change and global warming. Carbon dioxide was the highest greenhouse gas emitted and the estimated emission ranged from 3121 to 10597 kg CO2 ha-1. The second highest GHG was nitrous oxide and was in the range of 61.1 to 470 kg N2O ha-1. Methane, the third in terms of emission ranged from 64.4 to 280 kg CH4 ha-1. Emission factors which are relevant in the estimation of greenhouse gases when enough activity data have been generated were estimated for the species of gases as CO2: 28.0 g kg-1, CH4: 1.47 g kg-1 and N2O: 2.11 g kg-1. The study showed that CO2 emissions were high in all poultry manure treatments. The CH4 emissions were virtually low both in the poultry manure as well as cattle manure treatments. The emissions of N2O estimated for both the poultry manure and cattle manure treatments under the study were higher compared with that of CH4.

Source: KNUST
Study of noise leves in the city of Kumasi

Kumasi is the capital town of Ashanti region and it has been observed that noise pollution is ever increasing. Therefore it is imperative to conduct a research of noise levels at some areas in Kumasi to ascertain its level, whether it conforms to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) standards. Measurements of daytime noise levels was car ried out in three bus terminals, two timber industries, three churches and three funeral gatherings using DT-8852 Precision digital sound level meter. The three bus terminals namely Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science and Technology ( KNUST) Junction, Anloga Junction and Kejetia from the research had their daytime noise levels of 78.8 dBA, 72.1 dBA and 78.3 dBA respectively. The two timber industries, company A and company B had their day time noise levels of 84.1 dBA and 82.4 dBA respectively. Day time noise levels from the Church A, Church B and the Church C were 78.3 dBA, 82.8 dBA and 81.4 dBA respectively. Funeral ground 1 recorded the highest noise level of 84 dBA, followed by funeral ground 3 of 83.6dBA then funeral ground 2 of 79.2dBA. The bus terminals, timber industries, churches and funeral gatherings had their day time noise levels exceeding the permissible levels of 70 dBA, 70 dBA, 60 dBA and 65dBA respectively by EPA standards. It is recommended that the public should be made aware of the adve rse effects of noise pollution. The Television, radio and newspaper should be used as media to promote campaign on noise levels, its effect and control.

Source: KNUST
A study of mineral investment climate of Ghana

Ghana has mineral resources, particularly gold, diamonds, bauxite and manganese which are exploited presently. The mines were developed long before Ghana attained independence. Since then, no new mines were established until after the promulgation of the mining and mineral laws of 1986 (P.N.D.C.L 153). Since these laws were established, many new mines, all dealing in gold have been established. The new mines are Billiton Bogosu Gold, Teberebie Goldfields Ltd, Ghanaian Australian Gold Ltd, Golden Rae and Bonte Gold Mines. Many others are in the prospecting, exploration and development stages. These achievements resulted from the Ghana Government’s economic recovery programme (E.R.P), the new mining & mineral law of 1986 and the general political stability in the country. Therefore many investors, both local and foreign are all eager to invest, in mineral projects in Ghana. This thesis, therefore, seeks to give guidelines to these investors, with respect to prevailing and future conditions pertaining to mineral projects and the expected value of their investments. To achieve this, this thesis has given a vivid analysis of the factors that affect mineral investment in developing counties like Ghana to enable the investor to make his own choice. The factors are: geology, mining and processing methods, taxation policies and other provisions of the mining and minerals laws, risks (political, business, technical and social) and cash flow model. The analysis has shown that investment in mineral projects in Ghana is worthwhile.

Source: KNUST
A Study of Occupational Noise Exposure among Gold Miners at Anglo Gold Ashanti Limited (Obuasi)

Underground and surface gold miners working at AngloGold Ashanti Limited (Obuasi) are potentially exposed to high noise levels from the mining activities, especially noise emitted by the heavy mining equipments. However, occupational exposures to hazards in mine environments have not been adequately characterized and identified. In a bid to assess the noise miners working at AngloGold Ashanti Limited (Obuasi) are exposed to, a study of the occupational noise exposure among gold miners was investigated using a Mini-Sound Level Meter, Noise Dosimeter and through a questionnaire survey. A total of 275 miners were sampled from 4 underground operating shafts and 7 above ground workshops from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, twice weekly, for 5 months to estimate the occupational noise exposure levels and health impacts. Noise Dosimeter microphone was located at the hearing zone of the gold miner during the full-work period of 8 hours and measurements recorded at the end of each work shift. Results obtained indicates that there is a statistically significantly difference between the mean occupational noise exposure within the sites of mining activities for Continuous Equivalent Level, LAeq.8hrs (92.5 ± 9.00dB (A)) and that of the recommended standard of 85dB (A). The research findings indicated that the primary risk of exposure to noise by gold miners comes from work activities such as drilling, blasting, machine operating, processing, ventilation and transportation. The mean sound pressure levels of exposure of underground miners was 10.9% above the recommended standard of 85dB (A) whiles exposure of surface miners was 2.7% above the recommended standard of 85dB (A). All occupational types were found to be susceptible to noise levels which were potentially harmful. Drillers, Machine Operators, Blast men, Carpenters and STP workers were especially susceptible since their minimum noise level exceeds the recommended standard of 85dB (A). The incidence of tinnitus was found in 56.8% of the miners sampled whilst annoyance, high blood pressure and headaches were found to be 23%. The results of this study will provide useful information for audiologists to better deal with diagnostic testing and aural rehabilitation of the miners. The study highlights that miners are exposed to hazardous noise levels and therefore the need for greater awareness of the effects of noise on the hearing acuity of miners and the need for strict enforcement in the use of hearing protective devices.

Source: KNUST
A Study of Labour Unrest in Ghana (1900 To 2008)

The choice of this theme of research arose out of persistent calls by workers and civil society groups for the government to institute measures aimed at ending the labour agitations in Ghana in 2008. The study assesses labour unrest in the country from 1900. The study examines the culture of protest among workers in Ghana. It examines how worker associations were formed to protect the interest of workers in the colonial and post-colonial period. It further traces the development of trade unionism in the country. Also, it examines the role of the British Colonial authority in the development of industrial relations in the country. A major issue that was examined was the use of Industrial Relations Acts and the security forces by the British authorities to disband strikes. Ghana which before independence on 6th March 1957 was known as the Gold Coast has experienced frequent changes in government. The country has gone through periods of colonial, civilian and military rule. The colonial authorities until 1950 had succeeded in preventing trade unions from aligning themselves with the nationalist movements. The labour unions that existed at the time were largely unsuccessful as collective bargaining agents. There existed several trade unions with limited memberships. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) formed a friendship with the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) through close working relationship. This alliance which ensured the prosperity of the TUC, however, became costly to the union with the change in government. Although the Industrial Relations Act 1965 gave legal status to strikes, 2000 employees of the Cargo Handling Company Limited were locked out in 1968 for embarking on a strike. Also, the Progress Party (PP) regime dissolved the TUC by an Act of Parliament in 1971. It was the National Redemption Council (NRC) military regime that restored the TUC in 1972. These changes have affected the entire country’s labour relations to date. In evaluating and analyzing the labour policies in the country, the thesis offers suggestions on how to achieve capital labour harmony to ensure economic growth. It establishes the need for workers’ rights to be protected to ensure economic development.

Source: KNUST
A Study of Mark 16:14-18: It’s Implications for Missionary Work in Asante Akim Central District of Ghana Baptist Convention

The exegesis of Mark 16:14-18 revealed that the main command is to “preach the Gospel” whilst “going” is a participle supporting the main command. Preaching the Gospel to all creatures encompasses evangelization and discipling the members converted which would result in both qualitative and quantitative growth. The study was conducted at the Asante Akim Central Baptist Churches (AACBC‟S) through the administration of questionnaire, interviews and the report of Asante Akim Central Zonal Ministers and Church Workers Conference (AACZMCWC) held at Truth Baptist (Konongo-Odumasi. A number of relevant written materials such as biblical commentaries and handbooks were consulted. The research has revealed that the numerical growth of Baptist Churches in the district is not up to the projections that some ministers and church leaders have proposed for their various churches. The study recommends intensification of outreach programmes that would ensure qualitative and quantitative growth of all Baptist Churches in Asante Akim Central District.

Source: KNUST
A Study of Sedimentation Management Systems at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited

Many mining communities in Ghana continue to complain about the muddling and pollution of their water bodies as a result of mining activities. It is therefore in this light that the research is undertaken to investigate the erosion and sedimentation management systems of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited within its Ahafo operations, to asses the effectiveness of the systems put in place and determine whether or not the discharges from the mine do not pollute the receiving Tano River which in many cases serves as source of drinking water for communities living along it. To achieve the set objective, sedimentation control practices of the mine were studied, runoffs in the environmental control dams were monitored for a period of 106 days (between August and November) to determine the quality of runoff that are being discharged into the environment, samples were taken upstream and downstream of streams draining the mine area to assess the quality of runoff entering the mine area as well as the quality of those leaving it. Samples were also collected at the inlet points of the various Environmental Control Dams (ECDs) to asses the effects of mining on the streams by monitoring sediment build up during rainy days. Analyses of the results established the fact that although the mining activities generate a lot of sediment into the runoffs, yet the sedimentation dams are able to reduce the sediment loads by 92% to 95% and therefore making discharges from the sedimentation dams to the Tano River to be within the allowable discharge limit of 50mg/l. In conclusion, the activities of the mine do not appear to have adverse effect on the receiving Tano River in terms of sedimentation and therefore recommend this type of sedimentation management system to other mining companies.

Source: KNUST