ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Physico-Chemical and Biological Quality of Kankama River in the Berekum Municipality

The study was carried out in the Berekum Municipality to investigate the physico-chemical and biological quality of Kankama River. Three different sampling sites were located on the main stem of the Kankama River, namely Amangoase, Kookoase and Kyiribaa. Water samples were taken once every month from these sites from December, 2010 to March, 2011. The water samples were analyzed for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, E. coli, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, total hardness, pH, phosphate and nitrate. Amangoase sampling site was characterized with mean pH (6.428), conductivity (503.725 µs/cm), turbidity (31.155 NTU), alkalinity (209.75 mg/L), total hardness (130.6 mg/L), total coliforms (6.239- log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml), faecal coliforms (4.024- log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml), and E. coli (2.45-log10 geometric mean CFU/100 ml). Water samples analysis from Kookoase also showed pH (5.676), conductivity (320.75 µs/cm), turbidity (24.4 NTU), total dissolved solids (241.25 mg/L), Alkalinity (144.25 mg/L), total hardness (86.42 mg/L), total coliforms (5.379 log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml), faecal coliforms (3.765 log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml) and E. coli (1.843 log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml). Similarly, a pH of (5.977), conductivity (339 µs/cm), turbidity (11.76 NTU), total dissolved solids (251.55 mg/L), alkalinity (127.75 mg/L), total hardness (80.81 mg/L), total coliforms (4.563 log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml), faecal coliforms (3.44 log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml) and E. coli (1.616 log10 of geometric mean CFU/100 ml) were recorded at the Kyiribaa sampling site. At all the sites, mean indicator bacteria numbers were very high above the WHO guideline values of zero CFU per 100 ml. These high numbers were due to human faeces and cow dung from livestock confinements through storm water runoff from surrounding communities and direct defaecation into the river. Again, turbidity, conductivity and phosphate levels measured were above the WHO guideline values except total dissolved solids, total hardness and Nitrate which were below the guideline values. Though alkalinity have no health based guideline values, however its level was not satisfactory at all the sampling sites. In general, the level of pollution of Kankama River reflected the land use of its catchment- refuse dump, slaughter house, motor mechanics activities, car washing, gardening, livestock activities and human settlement. In order to help curb the growing pollution of the river, it is recommended that the Municipal Assembly with her environmental department should institute measures like tree planting along the banks of the river; and relocation of the existing refuse dump, slaughter house and the car washing bay. Again, the inhabitants around the river catchment area should be educated on the adverse impacts of their activities on the river water quality and the subsequent cross-loop effect on their health.

Source: KNUST
Physico-chemical and bacteriological assessment of selected boreholes and hand-dug wells in New Edubiase, Ashanti Region

This study was carried out to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of water from 5 boreholes and 5 hand-dug wells within the town‟s main residential areas. 60 water samples were collected from 5 main residential areas within the town from November 2011 to April 2012 and analysed for physicochemical characteristics and microbial quantity and quality. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms, salmonella and enterococci were enumerated using the standard most probable number method. The other parameters were also determined by various standard methods of water analysis. Total and faecal coliforms count in the borehole samples ranged from a mean of 7 to 142CFU/100mL and 2 to 55CFU/100mL respectively. For the hand-dug well samples, mean numbers of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and enterococci counts ranged from 293 to 5267CFU/100mL, 87 to 175 CFU/100mL and 1 to 21CFU/100ml respectively. All samples tested did not meet the GSB/WHO bacteriological standards for drinking water. However, the physicochemical parameters measured were within the GSB/WHO acceptable levels for drinking water. Generally the boreholes were comparatively better in quality than the hand-dug wells. Sanitary surveillance revealed that 5 of the sampling points were littered with eitheranimal and fowl droppings, or septic tanks/latrines were near the sampling points. The surrounding environments near most of the hand-dug wells were unkept and dirty. The presence ofTotal coliforms, Faecal coliforms and Enterococci should particularly raise serious public health concerns over the quality of the town‟s boreholes and hand-dug wells. Intervention measures including creating awareness and educating residents on borehole and hand-dug well construction, siting and care, boiling of water and improving sanitation should be urgently instituted.

Source: KNUST
Physico-chemical and combustion properties of cocoa pod husk pellets

The increasing bad effects of fossil fuel and traditional biomass (wood) on the environment and the health of individuals has attracted the interest in the search for alternate cleaner source of energy. Attention has therefore been drawn on the utilization of agricultural residues such cocoa pod husk, cassava peels and other residues for energy generation. This study investigates the use of cocoa pod husk to produce pellets which could be used as cooking fuel. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) was sun-dried, charred and crushed to obtain particle size less than 1 mm using a screen. CPH and binder (starch) was pelletized in a proportion of 4:1 (20 % binder), 3:1 (25 % binder), and 7:3 (30 % binder). Proximate and ultimate analysis was performed on the pellets to examine their Physical and combustion characteristics at each binder ratio. Pellets of binder ratio 20 % (4:1) produced compressed and relaxed densities of 1.04 g/cm³ and 0.85 g/cm³, with relaxation ratio of 1.23 lower than all the other binding ratios. Which gives an indication of a more stable pellets for mechanical handling, transportation and storage. Again, 20 % binder recorded the highest durability of 95.63% than 25% and 30% binder which recorded 83.3 and 67.3 respectively. Which implies that pellets produced with lower concentration of binders (starch) are more durable and resistant to mechanical stresses. Calorific values for the 20 %, 25 % and 30 % binder were 13.8 MJ/kg, 13.3 MJ/kg and 13.9 MJ/kg respectively. The result shows that pellets with 30 % binder has the potential to produce high heat energy for domestic purposes, but 20 % binder has much higher potential due to its advantageous physical characteristics. The binder therefore had a high significant effect on the properties of the pellets expect for the calorific value which produced closed values.

Source: KNUST
Physico-Chemical and Microbial quality of Surface and Ground water Resources in the Obuasi Gold Mining area

In most mining towns in Ghana, access to clean and potable water is a great challenge, resulting in waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of some physical, chemical and microbial water quality parameters in 18 rivers and streams, 15 boreholes and 3 hand-dug wells at Obuasi, a gold mining town in southern Ghana. Parameters were determined using standard procedures. Statistical comparison was made between the levels of various water quality parameters with respect to the distance of the water source from the mining or hotspots areas. This was done by performing mean comparison test for the water quality parameters under study. The results showed that ground water pH ranged between 4.91–6.31with a mean value of 5.38 ± 0.35 pH unit, which was acidic than surface water (pH range 6.02– 7.45 and mean 6.59 ± 0.32 pH unit). Surface water which recorded a conductivity range of 48.99–1141.9 μS/cm and a mean value of 439.94 ± 410.84 μS/cm in the study area which were, more mineralized than ground waters (with conductivity range of 34.46–742.11 μS/cm and mean value of 186.62 ± 188.00 μS/cm). The quality of surface water samples close to the mines was found to be generally poorer than for samples outside the mines. Significant differences were found between, Conductivity, TDS, Hardness, Sulphate and Arsenic levels for the surface water samples close to the mines compared to the water samples outside the mine. However, parameters such as pH, NO3-, Fe, Pb, Cu and Cd levels showed no significant locational variation. Moreover, Coliform population, NO3-, As, Fe, Pb and Cd levels in most cases, exceeded the World Health Organization recommended thresholds for potable water. In conclusion, the quality of most of the streams, boreholes and hand-dug wells were not suitable for human consumption without adequate treatment.

Source: KNUST
Physico-chemical properties of soils under five different multipurpose trees and shrubs in the semi- deciduous zone of Ghana

Efforts to overcome declining soil fertility and also minimize the reliance of farmers on the application of inorganic fertilizers are of concerns to stake holders in the agriculture sector. There is inadequate fertilizer use and farmers inability to apply adequate quantities that would supply the required nutrients to crop. There have been several studies that attempt reversing this trend by using organic inputs. Leaf biomass from Multipurpose Trees and shrubs (MPTs) like Senna siamea, Senna spectabilis, Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium and Albizia lebbeck, are known to provide enormous amount of nutrient for crops when used in rotations and/ or fallow. A study was conducted on soil of Kumasi- Ofin – Nta compound association to investigate the effect of the five multipurpose tree species on some soil physical and chemical properties thirteen years after fallow. The field layout was a Completely Randomized Design which was made up of five MPTs species in three blocks. Soils were sampled from 0 – 10 cm, 10 – 20 cm and 20 – 30 cm soil depths. The samples were taken through physical and chemical laboratory analysis. The five MPTs leaves were also evaluated to determine their chemical properties. Further study was undertaken using the litter bag technique for the decomposition of the leaves and amounts of residual nutrient in biomass during decomposition. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The soils under the five MPTs species showed no significant influence of the five MPTs on chemical properties (soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Calcium and Magnesium). However there was significant influence of the MPTs on soil physical properties (bulk density and porosity). Analysis of the MPTs leaf showed significant differences in nutrient levels of the fallow species especially N, P, K, Ca, Mg and C: N ratio. Recorded values were within the sufficiency rate reported by Kang, (1980). N was moderate to high (3.08 – 4.76), P was low to moderate (0.16 – 0.23) and K was low to moderate (0.43 – 0.68). Applications of 5T/Ha biomass from these MPTs are expected to yield between 195 to 390 kg N Ha-1, 9.75 – 19.5 kg P Ha-1 and 27.8 – 55.5 Kg K Ha-1 to growing crops. Decomposition test carried out using the litterbag technique showed differences in the period degradability of the five MPTs. Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephalla and Senna spectabilis decomposed faster than Senna siamia and Albizia lebbeck.

Source: KNUST
Physico-Chemical Quality of Water Sources in the Gold Mining Areas of Bibiani

Physico-chemical quality of ground and surface waters from Bibiani and its environs was conducted between November, 2009 and April, 2010. This study was undertaken to determine whether physical, chemical and trace metal contamination of water sources in Bibiani is as a result of mining or geochemical and biochemical processes within the environment. Levels of trace metals (Arsenic (As), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Copper (Cu)), physical parameters (pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (E.C) and Temperature) and chemical parameters (Alkalinity, Hardness, Phosphate and Cyanide (CN)) in water resources were determined. Water samples were collected from 10 sampling points including 2 streams, 2 rivers, 3 boreholes and 3 hands dug wells for trace metal analysis. The results showed that groundwater (pH range 5.77 – 6.56) was slightly acidic (low pH) compared to surface water (pH range 6.57 – 7.14 pH units). Groundwater electrical conductivity ranged from 360.17 to 957.12 µS/cm whereas that of surface water ranged from 451.67 to 774.72 µS/cm. Mining related contaminants detected in water samples in this study were As (ranging from values <0.001 to 0.002 mg/l), CN (minimum and maximum concentrations of 0.002 and 0.036 mg/l respectively), Mn (ranging between 0.1 and 0.72 mg/l) and Fe (with 0.32 and 3.035 mg/l being the respective minimum and maximum values). Groundwater (GW1, GW2, GW3, GW4, GW5 and GW6) samples were found to contain more Mn (at GW3 and GW4 with concentrations of 0.72 and 0.5 mg/l respectively) and Fe (at all the sampling points with concentrations ranging from 0.32 to 1.47mg/l) contaminants. Surface water (SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4) bodies were also found to have more As (at SW2 with a value of 0.02 mg/l) and Fe (also occurring at all the sampling points with values between 1.246 and 3.035 mg/l) contaminants. Relationships between trace metals and chemical and physical parameters in groundwater showed that As had a strong negative correlation with alkalinity (r = - 0.866) and Fe also had a strong positive correlation with electrical conductivity (r = 0.906). In surface water, Mn showed a strong positive correlation with phosphate (r = 0.871) but correlated negatively with alkalinity (r = - 0.93). Fe also correlated negatively with electrical conductivity (r = - 0.864) in surface water. Compared to WHO / EPA guideline, few of the ground and surface water supplies had one or more trace metal (Fe, As and Mn) levels outside acceptable limits set for drinking water. Most of them however have levels safe for human consumption.

Source: KNUST
Physicochemical analysis of roof runoff in the Obuasi area

Life is dependent on water. Water exists in nature in many forms- clouds, rain, snow, ice, and fog; however, strictly speaking, chemically pure water does not exist for any appreciable length of time in nature. These impurities may give water a bad taste, color, odor, or cloudy appearance (turbidity), and cause hardness, corrosiveness, staining, or frothing. Quality of Water in the Obuasi area has been questioned due to the mining activities as well as ore treatment methods being used in the area. Residents are in dire need of other fresh water alternatives and roof runoffs harvesting has become very common. There is therefore the need to ascertain the quality of this alternative in order not to create another problem in trying to solve one. In this work, 75 roof runoffs samples from three selected areas (Wawasi, Ramia and Antobuasi) in the Obuasi area were sampled during five raining events between May and August 2007 from Aluminium, Aluzinc, Asbestos, Clay tiles and one collected from the skies to serve as control. The samples were analysed for physical parameters such as; pH, Alkalinity, Electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity. Anions such as; Sulphates, Chlorides, Nitrites, Phosphates were also analysed. For each of the samples collected Six trace metals were determined. Metals were fractionated into dissolved and particulate fractions. Metals analysed include; Iron, Lead, Zinc, Aluminium, Chromium and Cadmium using Varian 220 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was observed that the general quality of the water sampled from roofing material were seriously affected by the kind of roofing material being used with respect to the sampling area. It was also observed that most of the metals were particulate in nature and it contributed to over 60% of the total metal concentration. Except for pH, Pb Turbidity and Chromium all the parameters recorded values that were below the WHO guidelines for drinking water. The pH had a good correlation between Iron and Zinc but had a poor correlation with Lead, Aluminium, Chromium and Cadmium. Generally roof runoff can be recommended for washing utensils, flushing toilets laundry but not drinking and possibly cooking.

Source: KNUST
Physicochemical analysis of roof runoff in the Obuasi area

The quality of water in the Obuasi area is poor due to the mining activities and ore treatment methods which is very common in the area. As a result, harvesting roof runoffs has become an alternative source of water for domestic purposes. It is therefore important to ascertain the quality of this source of drinking water. 75 roof runoffs samples from three selected areas (Wawasi, Ramia and Antobuasi) in the Obuasi area were sampled during five rain events between May and August2007 from Aluminium, Aluzinc, Asbestos, Clay tile roofs and one collected directly from the sky to serve as control. The samples were analysed for the following physical parameters vis: pH, Alkalinity, Electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Turbidity. Anions such as; Sulphates, Chlorides, Nitrites, Phosphates were also analysed. The concentrations of six trace metals were also determined. Metals were fractionated into dissolved and particulate fractions. Metals analysed include; Iron, Lead: Zinc, Aluminium, Chromium and Cadmium using Varian 220 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotorneter. It was observed that the general quality of the water sampled from roofing material was seriously affected by the type of roofing material used with respect to the sampling area. It was also observed that most of the metals occurred in the particulate form in nature and that contributed to over 60% of the total metal concentration. Except for pH, turbidity, Pb, and Cr all the parameters recorded values that were below the WHO guidelines for drinking water. pH had a good correlation with Fe and Zn but a poor correlation with Pb, Al, Cr and Cd. Mean values obtained for aluminium roofing materials were 0.12 mg/L, 0.04 mg/L, 0.75 mg/L, 0.42 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L respectively for Pb, Fe, Zn, Al and Cr. Asbestos roofing materials recorded mean values of 0.2 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L, 0.38 mg/L, 0.06 mg/L, 0.14 mg/L respectively for Pb, Fe, Zn, Al and Cr, Clay tiles roofing materials recorded mean values of 0.24 mg/L , 0.07 mg/L, 0.15 mg/L, 0.06 mg/L, 0.26 mg/L respectively for Pb, Fe, Zn, Al and Cr. Aluzinc roofing materials recorded mean values of 0.17 mg/L, 0.03 mg/L, 0.59 mg/L , 0.26 mg/L , 0.09 mg/L for Pb, Fe, Zn, Al and Cr. Values however recorded for cadmium were below detectable limits. The concentrations of Pb were high in samples from asbestos and clay tiles roofing materials than that of the metal sheets. The orders in which the roofs are liable of releasing metals into the runoffs are: Cr (ceramic > asbestos > metal sheet), and Zn and Al (metal sheet > asbestos > ceramic tiles). Asbestos and clay tiles roofing materials pose more environmental risk than other roofs investigated in this study, hence should not be used to harvest rainwater for domestic purposes. It can therefore be advised to use metal sheets to harvest rainwater since it contains less contaminant. Generally roof runoffs could be recommended for washing utensils, flushing toilets laundry but not drinking and possibly for cooking.

Source: KNUST
Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Quality of Surface Waters Within the Newmont Ghana Gold Mining Concession Areas

The physico-chemical and Microbiological quality of the surface waters within the Newmont Gold Mines Concession area were assessed for the levels of Total coliforms, faecal coliforms, pH, electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Cyanide, Arsenic, Iron among others. A total of 8 sampling sites were sited along rivers, streams and proposed pits over a period of six months (from March 2005 to August 2005). The results of the study revealed a high microbial indicator counts in all the water bodies suggesting high bacterial pollution of the waters. This was found to have come partly and indirectly from the Mines since the sources of the bacterial contamination could be traced to accidental leakages from the sewage treatment plants (STPs I and II), settlements along these river courses (resettlement villages), population explosion in this mining area with its attendant high waste generation, poor or non-existence sewage system coupled with poor sanitary conditions all contributed immeasurably to the high incidence of bacterial pollution of the water bodies. The research findings also made it abundantly clear that Arsenic, Lead and Iron were the most prevalent mining- related metallic pollutants found in all the water bodies investigated and that the contamination of these heavy metals could primarily be attributed to natural geological and climatological conditions but not from the mines as full scale production had not begun at the time this study was being conducted. However, the high Turbidity and Total Suspended Solids values recorded in all the water bodies could be blamed on the various activities of the Mines.

Source: KNUST
Physicochemical And Functional Characterization Of Pectin Extracts From Different Okra Genotypes

Okra (Abelmoschus spp.) is a plant of the Malvaceae family cultivated for its immature pods. The pectin content is responsible for the slimy texture of okra extracts and is of major technological interest for food, non-food and medicinal applications. A preliminary study on isolation of pectins from eight different okra types obtained from different geographical zones in Ghana revealed that the okra pods had considerable pectin yield and different physicochemical properties which can be exploited for their potential applications. Six different okra (Abelmoschus spp) genotypes were then cultivated under the same environmental conditions and their genetic diversity determined using fragment length analysis (FLA) of ten simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Pectins were extracted from the pods of the different okra genotypes using 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 6). Physicochemical, functional and rheological characteristics of the pectins were evaluated using FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy, Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and dilute solution viscometry. Neutral sugars composition was evaluated using GC-MS. Emulsifying properties of the pectins were determined by analyzing the interfacial protein and pectin concentrations, emulsion rheology, particle size distribution, zeta potential and the emulsion morphology using fluorescence microscopy. Genotypic studies confirmed unique genotypes for each okra sample used with each SSR markers detecting an average of 4.1 alleles. Physicochemical results showed that okra genotypes had pectin yields between 11–14 %. Resultant pectins were all low methoxyl pectin with varied degree of methylation (17–25 %), total carbohydrate (66.2–87.5 %), protein (3.3–7.1 %), sugar composition, degree of acetylation (20– 40 %), GalA content (43–63 %) and weightaverage molar mass (700–1700 x 103 g mol-1). FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy showed structural similarities between the pectins from the different genotypes. Intrinsic viscosity of the okra pectins ranged from 2.91 to 5.10 dL g-1. Huggins constant values calculated for okra pectins ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 revealing flexible chain conformation. Coil overlap plots revealed three concentration regimes with two critical concentrations. Stability of emulsions to creaming varied from 0.8 to 16.9 % and surface coverage of pectins (0.6 – 3.6 mg m-2) were relatively higher than that of the proteins (0.3-1.0 mg m-2). The okra pectins demonstrated good emulsifying abilities with initial surface weighted mean diameter (d3,2) ranging between 1.3 and 3.7 μm. Emulsion destabilization occurred in all samples after five days of storage and the viscosity of samples remained constant with aging. The differences between genetic variations have potential applications in the food industry as emulsifying agents.

Source: KNUST