ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Hybridity testing of tomato F 1 progenies derived from parents with varying fruit quality and shelf life using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs)

The demand for tomato is increasing day by day mostly because of the increased per capita fresh fruit consumption. Nonetheless as a perishable fruit crop, it has relatively short life after ripening thus experiences remarkable post-harvest losses. The study was to select true F1 hybrids using SNPs for the development of inbred lines with long shelf life character through marker assisted backcrossing. Nine out of the one hundred and forty SNP markers failed, 93 were uninformative and 38 were polymorphic and spread across the 12 chromosomes. The major allele frequency, gene diversity, heterozygosity and Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) for each locus were calculated for SNP markers using Power Marker 3.5. The mean value of the major allele frequency was 0.673, ranging between 0.529 and 0.794. The average gene diversity and Heterozygosity values were 0.419 and 0.125 respectively. The PIC ranged from 0.273 (Sly11-Rx4) to 0.375 (Sly04-9) with a mean of 0.329. Of the 31 polymorphic SNPs, two SNPs (Sly04-9 and Sly07-2) exhibited the maximum PIC and a gene diversity value of 0.50. The markers Sly11-13 and Sly11-Rx4 were found to be the least informative with PIC and gene diversity values equaling 0.327 and major allele frequency of 0.794. The maximum heterozygosity was observed with SNP markers Sly03-8, Sly06-7, Sly08-1, Sly08-8, while the minimum heterozygosity was observed with SNPs marker Sly02-9, Sly06-1, Sly10-4, Sly10-5, Sly11-13, Sly11-Rx4, and Sly12-9.The SNPs tested for shelf life genes rin (Sly05-rin1 and Sly05-rin2) and nor (Sly10-nor) were monomorphic within the seven different plants (parentals). The SNP (Sly10-alc) tested for the alc gene was however, polymorphic within the seven lines. The result indicates that only one SNP (Sly10-alc) is a functional SNP to detect a long shelf life gene. Tomato genotypes CSIR/CRI-P002 and CSIR/CRI-ATS064 were however, polymorphic for alc. The other SNPs for rin and nor were not useful and new SNPs are needed to be redesigned. The molecular test revealed two superior F1 hybrids which were selected for evaluation as lines for improvement. The advantage is the reduction in cost, time, labor and field space requirement.

Source: UG
The hydraulic conductivity field and groundwater flow in the unconfined aquifer system of the Keta Strip, Ghana

This study investigates the hydraulic conductivity field and the groundwater flow pattern as predicted by a calibrated steady state groundwater flow model for the Keta Strip, southeastern Ghana. The hydraulic conductivity field is an important parameter in evaluating aquifer properties in space, and in general basin-wide groundwater resources evaluation and management. This study finds that the general hydraulic conductivity of the unconsolidated unconfined aquifer system of the Keta Strip ranges between 2. m/d and 20. m/d, with an average of 15. m/d. The spatial variation in horizontal hydraulic conductivity appears to take the trend in the variations in the nature of the material in space. Calibrated groundwater recharge suggests that 6.9-34% of annual precipitation recharges the shallow aquifer system. This amount of recharge is significant and suggests high fortunes in terms of groundwater resources development for agriculture and industrial activities in the area. A spatial distribution of groundwater recharge from precipitation is presented in this study. The spatial pattern appears to take the form of the distribution in horizontal hydraulic conductivity, and suggests that the vertical hydraulic conductivity takes the same pattern of spatial variation as the horizontal hydraulic conductivity. This is consistent with observations in other areas. The resulting groundwater flow is dominated by local flow systems as the unconfined system is quite shallow. A general northeast - southwest flow pattern has been observed in the study area. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Source: UG
Hydro-climatic stress, shallow groundwater wells and coping in Ghana's White Volta basin

Debates of the nexus between water-related stresses and water availability for groundwater-dependent irrigation which comprises of non-conventional groundwater abstraction schemes is only recently emerging. The interaction between Seasonal Shallow Wells (SSWs), one of such indigenous abstractions scheme and groundwater recharge remains new to groundwater science and development. The SSWs supplement formal irrigation (e.g. reservoirs) and surface water for dry season agriculture in Ghana's White Volta Basin, yet links with the overall gradient of groundwater is unknown. Therefore, using the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) model and qualitative techniques, the implications of groundwater recharge and surface runoff in their orientation to shallow wells is explored. Standardized precipitation index (SPI) from a regional downscale model for droughts and floods showed increased drought and flood influence on groundwater recharge and irrigation. Enhanced surface runoff water and climate change continuously reduced groundwater recharge by 2030, with decreased stream and water inflows. Irrigation water requirements of reservoirs were computed to be between 173% and 327% of normal reservoir water requirements, yet majority of dams did not meet these requirements especially during the dry season. The basin has history of dryness and exhibited uneven distribution of groundwater, yet recharged water of unsaturated soil moisture zones made water available to the SSWs. The SSWs were patronised mostly by women and farming households based on perceptions of limited cost, less sophistication and no formal regulatory measures. The paper therefore provides framework for establishing links between the mechanics of SSWs, and existing climatic and hydrologic conditions for informed groundwater development. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.

Source: UG
Hydro-ethanol extract of Holarrhena foribunda stem bark exhibits anti-anaphylactic and anti-oedematogenic effects in murine models of acute inflammation

Background: Holarrhena foribunda (G.Don) T.Durand & Schinz stem bark has anecdotal use in Ghanaian folk medicine for the management of inflammatory conditions. This study was conducted to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the bark extract using models of acute inflammation in male Sprague Dawley rats, C57BL/6 mice and ICR mice. Methods: A 70% hydro-ethanol extract of the stem bark (HFE) was evaluated at doses of 5–500 mg/kg bw. Local anaphylaxis was modelled by the pinnal cutaneous anaphylactic test. Systemic anaphylaxis or sepsis were modeled by compound 48/80 or lipopolysaccharide, respectively. Clonidine-induced catalepsy was used to investigate the effect on histamine signaling. Anti-oedematogenic effect was assessed by induction with carrageenan. Efects on mediators of biphasic acute inflammation were studied using histamine and serotonin (early phase) or prostaglandin E2 (late phase). Results: HFE demonstrated anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oedematogenic activity comparable to standard doses of aspirin and diclofenac (inhibitors of cyclooxygenases-1 and -2), chlorpheniramine (histamine H1-receptor antagonist), dexamethasone (glucocorticoid receptor agonist), granisetron (serotonin receptor antagonist) and sodium cromoglycate (inhibitor of mast cell degranulation). All observed HFE bioactivities increased with dose. Conclusions: The data provide evidence that the extract of H. foribunda stem bark has anti-anaphylactic and anti oedematogenic effects; by interfering with signalling or metabolism of histamine, serotonin and prostaglandin E2 which mediate the progression of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activities of HFE may be relevant in the context of the management of COVID-19.

Source: UG
A hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn ameliorates hyperalgesia and allodynia in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats

Background: The hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn whole plant has demonstrated analgesic effects in acute pain models. The extract has also demonstrated anticonvulsant effects in murine models of experimental epilepsy. The present study illustrates an evaluation of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the plant for possible analgesic properties in hyperalgesia and allodynia associated with vincristine-induced neuropathy in rats. Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting 100 μg/kg of vincristine sulphate on alternative days for 6 days (days 0, 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12). Vincristine-induced cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured pre-vincristine administration and on days 15, 17 and 19 post-vincristine administration. The rats were then treated with S. nodiflora extract (SNE) (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg), pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) and distilled water as vehicle daily for 5 days and pain thresholds were measured on alternate days for 3 days. Results: SNE and pregabalin produced analgesic properties observed as increased paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical, tactile, cold water stimuli and thermal hyperalgesic tests during the 5 days of treatment. Conclusions: The findings suggest that hydro-ethanolic extract of S. nodiflora possesses anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats. © 2015 by De Gruyter 2015.

Source: UG
Hydrochemical analysis of groundwater from the Keta Basin, Ghana

Multivariate statistical tools and mineral speciation were used to determine the main controls on the hydrochemistry of groundwater from the Keta Basin, Ghana. Groundwater was also assessed to determine its suitability for irrigation purposes. The study indicates that the hydrochemistry is controlled largely by the intrusion of seawater into the basin. Two hydrochemical facies, the SO 4 -Ca-K- Mg - NO 3 and Cl-Na- HCO 3facies, have been defined in this study. Saturation indices calculated from mineral speciation indicate that groundwater in the area is generally saturated with respect to gypsum and anhydrite, supersaturated with respect to calcite, aragonite and dolomite, and undersaturated with respect to halite. The extremely high salinity in groundwater from some wells and boreholes in the area is attributed to the role seawater plays in groundwater hydrochemistry in the basin. Chemicals from agricultural activities play a minor role in the hydrochemistry. The sodium adsorption ratio, eltrical conductivity permability indeX, residuals sodium carbonate and sodium percent were the parameters used to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation. Groundwater is generally of acceptable quality for irrigation. Over 50% of the samples tested fall within the low sodicity, medium salinity range, which is an acceptable range for irrigation under well drained conditions. Moreover, more than 80% of the samples have permeability indices higher than 70%, which indicates that groundwater in the area will not adversely affect the hydraulic properties of the soils in the Keta Basin area.

Source: UG
Hydrochemical analysis of groundwater using multivariate statistical methods - The Volta region, Ghana

Q and R-mode multivariate statistical analyses were applied to groundwater chemical data from boreholes and wells in the northern section of the Volta region Ghana. The objective was to determine the processes that affect the hydrochemistry and the variation of these processes in space among the three main geological terrains: the Buem formation, Voltaian System and the Togo series that underlie the area. The analyses revealed three zones in the groundwater flow system: recharge, intermediate and discharge regions. All three zones are clearly different with respect to all the major chemical parameters, with concentrations increasing from the perceived recharge areas through the intermediate regions to the discharge areas. R-mode HCA and factor analysis (using varimax rotation and Kaiser Criterion) were then applied to determine the significant sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. This study finds that groundwater hydrochemistry in the area is controlled by the weathering of silicate and carbonate minerals, as well as the chemistry of infiltrating precipitation. This study finds that the δD and δ18O data from the area fall along the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL). An equation of regression derived for the relationship between δD and δ18O bears very close semblance to the equation which describes the GMWL. On the basis of this, groundwater in the study area is probably meteoric and fresh. The apparently low salinities and sodicities of the groundwater seem to support this interpretation. The suitability of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes is related to its source, which determines its constitution. A plot of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and salinity (EC) data on a semilog axis, suggests that groundwater serves good irrigation quality in the area. Sixty percent (60%), 20% and 20% of the 67 data points used in this study fall within the medium salinity - low sodicity (C2-S1), low salinity -low sodicity (C1-S1) and high salinity - low sodicity (C3-S1) fields, which ascribe good irrigation quality to groundwater from this area. Salinities range from 28.1 to 1956 μS/cm, whilst SAR values fall within the range 0-3. Extremely low sodicity waters of this kind, with salinities lower than 600 μS/cm, have the tendency to affect the dispersive properties of irrigation soils when used for irrigation. About 50% of the groundwater in the study area fall within this category and need prior treatment before usage. © 2009 Korean Society of Civil Engineers and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg GmbH.

Source: UG
Hydrochemical appraisal of groundwater evolution within the Lower Pra Basin, Ghana: a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) approach

The most relevant controls on groundwater quality within the Lower Pra Basin in Ghana were assessed using Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The objective was to determine the chemical characteristics of the various water groups and subgroups responsible for the groundwater evolution and identify the groundwater recharge and discharge zones within the basin. The Q-mode HCA have characterized hydrochemical data from a total of sixty-eight (68) boreholes and two (2) streams within the basin into four (4) water groups and five (5) subgroups. Results showed that, Group 1 waters had the lowest mean pH (5.6 pH units) with EC and TDS in the range 64.9–295 µS/cm and 32.5–162.0 mg/L respectively, while, Group 4 waters had intermediary mean pH (6.3 pH units) with highest EC and TDS in the range 1,221.2–1,601.0 µS/cm and 661–691 mg/L respectively. Two main water types—the Na–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–HCO3 with Na–Cl and Ca–Mg–Cl as minor water types have also been delineated. Results also showed that, Groups 1 and 2 waters both represents transition zones between Ca–Mg–HCO3/Na–HCO3 and Na–Cl/Ca–Mg–Cl type waters and therefore, can be regarded as transition zones between naturally circulating groundwaters which have not undergone pronounced water–rock interaction/aggressive recharging alkali carbonate waters and limited recharging local rain/permanent hard water. Thus, groundwater within the basin perhaps evolves from fresh- Ca–Mg–HCO3/Na–HCO3 type waters to permanent hard- Ca–Mg–Cl type waters and limited recharging local rain- Na–Cl type waters along its flow paths principally due to ion-exchange reactions. However, Zion Camp areas may be serving as discharge areas to groundwater within the basin. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Source: UG
Hydrochemical characterization of aquifers using sequential multivariate analyses and geographic information systems in a tropical setting

This study demonstrates yet another innovation in the application of multivariate analysis to the understanding of regional hydrochemical processes in a tropical setting. Sequential Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and factor analysis were used jointly with geographic information systems (GIS) and conventional graphical methods to determine spatial groundwater types in Ghana, and the spatial variation of the major sources of hydrochemical change in groundwater in Ghana. This study finds that two major groundwater types exist in the country: the Na-Cl groundwater types, which dominate the coastal aquifers where groundwater salinity is high, and Na-K-HCO3 groundwater types, which dominate aquifers farther inland. The major source of variation in hydrochemistry of groundwater in Ghana is mineral weathering and saline water intrusion. Silicate mineral weathering has strong effects in the more inland aquifers whereas saline water intrusion has the greatest effects along the coast. Chemical fertilizers, organic manure, and domestic sewage represent the second-most important source influencing groundwater hydrochemistry in Ghana. Effects of these are highest in areas where aquifers are relatively shallow and chemicals are heavily used, such as the Keta Basin. The third-most important source is the oxidation of organic carbon by nitrate. Maps showing the variation of these three sources across the country have been generated using ordinary kriging and are discussed here. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Source: UG
Hydrochemical characterization of groundwater in the Akyem area, Ghana

The Akyem area is a small farming community located in southeastern Ghana. Groundwater samples from wells in the area were analyzed for concentrations of the major ions, silica, electrical conductivity and pH. The objective was to determine the main controls on the hydrochemistry of ground-water. Mass balance modeling was used together with multivariate R-mode hierarchical cluster analysis to determine the significant sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. Two water types exist in this area. The first is influenced most by the weathering of silicate minerals from the underlying geology, and is thus rich in silica, sodium, calcium, bicarbonate, and magnesium ions. The second is water that has been influenced by the effects of fertilizers and other anthropogenic activities in the area. Mineral speciation and silicate mineral stability diagrams suggest that montmorillonite, probably derived from the incongruent dissolution of feldspars and micas, is the most stable silicate phase in the groundwaters. The apparent incongruent weathering of silicate minerals in the groundwater system has led to the enrichment of sodium, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate ions as well as silica, leading to the supersaturation of calcite, aragonite, dolomite and quartz. Stability in the montmorillonite field suggests restricted flow conditions and a long groundwater residence time, leading to greater exposure of the rock to weathering. Cation exchange processes appear to play minor roles in the hydrochemistry of groundwater.

Source: UG
Hydrochemical evaluation of the Voltaian system-The Afram Plains area, Ghana

Inverse geochemical modeling from PHREEQC, and multivariate statistical methods were jointly used to define the genetic origin of chemical parameters of groundwater from the Voltaian aquifers in the Afram Plains area. The study finds, from hierarchical cluster analysis that there are two main hydrochemical facies namely the calcium-sodium-chloride-bicarbonate waters and the magnesium-potassium-sulfate-nitrate waters in the northern and southern sections, respectively, of the Afram Plains area. This facies differentiation is confirmed by the distribution of the SO42-/Cl- ratio, which associates groundwater from the northern and southern sections to areas influenced by contact with evaporites and seawater, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation using the Kaiser criterion identifies four principal sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. Mineral saturation indices calculated from both major ions and trace elements, indicate saturation-supersaturation with respect to calcite, aragonite, k-mica, chlorite, rhodochrosite, kaolinite, sepiolite, and talc, and undersaturation with respect to albite, anorthite, and gypsum in the area. Inverse geochemical modeling along groundwater flowpaths indicates the dissolution of albite, anorthite and gypsum and the precipitation of kaolinite, k-mica, talc, and quartz. Both the PCA and inverse geochemical modeling identify the incongruent weathering of feldspars as the principal factors controlling the hydrochemistry in the Afram Plains area. General phase transfer equations have been developed to characterize the geochemical evolution of groundwater in the area. A very good relationship has been established between calcite and aragonite saturation indices in the Afram Plains area, with R2=1.00. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UG
Hydrochemical Evolution of Ground and Surface Water within the Amansie and Adansi Districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana

Source-rock deductions of major ions and saturation states of minerals in groundwater were employed to determine the origin of dissolved ions and the thermodynamic controls on the groundwater composition respectively in groundwater within the Amansie and Adansi Districts. The main objective of this study is to characterize groundwater and delineate soil-water-rock interactions responsible for the chemical evolution of groundwater within the districts. Fifty-nine boreholes, twelve wells and two stream samples were collected for quality assessment. Results show that, silicate weathering and ion-exchange reactions are the major processes influencing groundwater chemistry within the Districts. Results also show that groundwater within the districts is strongly to moderately acidic as, 62 % of the groundwaters has pH that range 3.6-6.0. Acidity in ground and surface water within the districts is attributable predominantly to natural processes than mining activities; however, the groundwaters still have the potential to neutralize acids due to the presence of silicates/aluminosilicates. The waters are fresh (EC< 500 μS/cm) with conductivity values which ranged 22.8-473 μS/cm, and a mean value of 172.9 μS/cm. TDS of the groundwaters ranged 14.9-309.8 mg/L with a mean value of 112.6 mg/L. The relative abundance of cations and anions are in the order: Ca 2+ > Na + > Mg 2+ > K + and HCO 3-> Cl-> SO 4 2-respectively. The states of saturation of the groundwaters with respect to major minerals using hydrogeochemical transport model Phreeqc for Windows suggest that, anhydrite and gypsum are subsaturated and indicates that, groundwater within the districts originates from a formation with insufficient amount of these minerals in solution or short residence time of these minerals with groundwater within the districts.Two principal hydrochemical water types; Ca-Mg-HCO 3 and Na-Cl have been delineated, with Ca-Mg-SO 4 , Na-Mg-Ca-HCO 3 and Na-Cl-SO 4 as minor water types. Groundwater within the districts principally evolves from fresh Ca-Mg-HCO 3 type water into Na-HCO 3 type water into Ca-Mg-Cl type water into Na-Cl type water along its flow path due to ion-exchange reactions and therefore, largely characterized by recharge processes through mixing with waters of geochemically different ionic signatures.

Source: UG
The hydrochemistry of groundwater in rural communities within the Tema District, Ghana

A detailed study has been carried out on groundwater in rural communities in the Tema District of the Greater Accra region of Ghana to establish the hydrochemistry and identify the various sources of contaminants as well assess the physical and chemical quality of the groundwater to ascertain their wholesomeness and the health impacts of the groundwater on the communities. The groundwater was found to vary considerably in terms of chemical and physical properties. Generally, the water was mildly acidic (pH 4.3-7.4), brackish to fresh, and undersaturated with respect to gypsum and halite. The majority of groundwater clustered toward Ca-Mg-SO4 and Na-Cl facies. About 70% of boreholes sampled have elevated levels of NO3 --N, Cl-, and SO4 2- emanating from anthropogenic activities. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Source: UG