ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Potential of Subsurface Infiltration for the Treatment of Vermibed Effluents Generated by the Biofil Toilet

In countries such as Ghana, where a significant proportion of the population depend upon ground water sources for domestic consumption, and where onsite sanitation is the predominant means of sanitation, the occurrence of water and sanitation related diseases due to contamination of groundwater remains the commonest public health problem. To safeguard groundwater from contamination a variety of treatment barriers have been practiced in various countries. The use of sub-soil infiltration in a form of soil aquifer treatment was one of such interventions that have long been practiced in this regard. In this study, effluent from a biofil toilet has been studied under laboratory based soil columns simulating Ghana environmental conditions to see the performance of different soil types in removing potential contaminants. Four different soil columns were characterized and installed; namely-sandy soil, clay soil, loamy soil and red lateritic soil and a multi-layer sand filter (MLSF) was also used to see the possibility of developing compact treatment system. In every soil column, sampling ports were positioned at 0.3m, 0.8m and 1.5m depths and 0.45m depth for MLSF only one port at the bottom. The results obtained showed that, the biofil digester was successful in reducing various contaminants. It achieved about 93% faecal coliform, 95% total coliform, 50% BOD, 54% COD and 88% TSS removals. Its performance for nutrient reduction was 25% total nitrogen with 79% NO3-N and 67%NO2-N removal, while Total phosphorous removal was 35% and 31% PO4-P. With respect to organic matter removal, sandy soil and red lateritic soil columns were able to produce quality effluent (TSS and BOD) well below the Ghana EPA guideline values (50mg/l). Superior performance up to 99% COD removal was observed in red lateritic soil column. Pathogen removal potentials of soil columns also show an average of 2 to 5 log removal of pathogen. Red lateritic soil specifically achieved 5 log removals at 1.5 m depth. All soil columns with exception of MLSF fulfil the WHO guideline value for NO3-N in drinking water (<10mg/l) and very low concentrations of PO4.

Source: KNUST
The potential of indigenous fungi in bioremediation of heavy metals in the Chemu Lagoon, Ghana

The release of industrial effluents laden with heavy metals has polluted the quality of aquatic ecosystems. The Chemu lagoon located in Tema has served as a sink for both untreated and semi-treated industrial and municipal effluents. This study was conducted on the Chemu lagoon and selected nearby industries from November, 2011 to October, 2012. Physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations of selected industrial point sources, lagoon water and sediments at three selected sites (upstream, midstream and downstream) were determined. Fungi were also isolated, sub cultured and grown on lagoon water-agar medium to determine their heavy metal bioaccumulation potential. The mean BOD, pH, conductivity, temperature, nitrate, sulphate and phosphate ranged from 149.67-4765mg/l, 5.67-11.47, 9.3-261.53 μS/cm and 36.3-38.97˚C, 0.127-3.633mg/l, 1.04-88.69mg/l and 0.014-237.98mg/l respectively. Majority of observed physicochemical parameters were above stipulated WHO standards. The Dry season (V1 and V2) recorded higher concentrations of heavy metals compared to Wet (V2 and V3) season. Mean range of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in lagoon and industrial effluents were 0.036-2.854mg/l, 0.043-0.202mg/l, 0.0013-0.08mg/l, 0.0017-0.027mg/l and 0.003-0.055mg/l respectively. The observed concentrations of these heavy metals in the effluents varied significantly and were mostly above WHO (2004) drinking water quality limits. Mean range of Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As) concentrations in lagoon sediments were 55.57-179.97mg/l, 0.154-5.09mg/l, 0.163-4.267mg/l, 0.013-1.38mg/l and 0.067-1.51mg/l respectively. With the exception of Cadmium (Cd) all observed ranges of heavy metal concentrations in sediments were within Canadian Sediment Quality Guideline (CSQG) limits. Total Viable Counts (TVC) (expressed in as mean logarithm) in lagoon effluents and sediments ranged from log 4.49-5.98 CFU/100ml and log 6.72-8.97 CFU/100ml respectively. The population of total coliforms recorded indicated significant pollution of lagoon effluents and sediments. Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tamarii, Mucor rouxii, Penicillium notatum and Rhizopus spp were isolated from lagoon sediments. The potential of A. niger and A. fumigatus in bioaccumulation of heavy metals were highest in 1:1 and 1:5 media respectively. The bioaccumulation potential of Aspergillus niger was in decreasing order; Iron (Fe) 130.9% >Arsenic (As) 53.7% >Zinc (Zn) 44.3% > Lead (Pb) 36.9% > Cadmium (Cd) 18.1%. Iron (Fe) had the highest bioaccumulation potential for Aspergillus fumigatus followed by Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in decreasing order 128.3% > 71.5% > 62.8% > 40% > 6.4% respectively. Selected fungi showed excellent bioaccumulation potential and thus their molecular and physiological mechanisms of bioaccumulation could be studied to improve their levels of heavy metals removal on the large industrial scale.

Source: KNUST
The potential of Zeolite Clinoptilolite for Arsenic immobilisation: a computational study

Clinoptilolite has been identified as a candidate for arsenic removal from water, but the exact adsorption sites, their relative stabilities and the characteristics of the environment where the arsenic is located within the zeolite framework still remains elusive. We investigated the arsenic acid AsO(OH)3 and arsenous acid As(OH)3 adsorption by Al(III)-modified natural zeolite clinoptilolite (CL) under vacuum and hydrated conditions using first-principles density functional theory calculations. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) were carried out using the plane-wave pseudopotential PWscf code in the Quantum-ESPRESSO package using ultrasoft pseudopotentials with the PBE functional. We also considered the effect of Si/Al ratio on the adsorption potentials of Al(III)-modified natural zeolite clinoptilolite. Essentially the adsorption energies for both arsenic and arsenous acids on dehydrated CL zeolite (Si/Al = 1.7 - 8) at all the adsorption sites are favorable (7 – 252 kJ/mol, exothermic) except at the 8 MR in the (100) plane (site 3) for AsO(OH)3 at Si/Al ratio of 5 and the site locate between the 8MR in the (001) plane and the 8 MR in the (100) plane (site 4) for AsO(OH)3 at Si/Al ratio of 6 and 8. However, in the hydrated CL, the exothermicity is maintained only in the 8 MR in the (001) plane (site 2) and site 4 with increase in the extent of exothermicity (32 - 161 kJ/mol) at these sites with an interatomic distance of the adsorption of single AsO(OH)3 and As(OH)3 molecules being 2.309 Å. The unfavorableness of the adsorption in the hydrated systems increases with increasing water molecules added. We attribute this to the water molecules filling the pores in the zeolite, therefore leaving no space for the adsorbates to fit in. The strength of binding of the arsenic species is shown to depend sensitively on the Si/Al ratio in the Al(III)-modified CL zeolite, adsorption energies decreases (252 - 7 kJ/mol) as the Si/Al ratio increases (1.7 - 8), this is as a result of increase in the interaction between the framework cations and the arsenic species. The v calculated high adsorption energies indicated a great potential for Al(III)-modified clinoptilolite for arsenic immobilization. This preliminary work improves our understanding of the role that Al(III)-modified clinoptilolite zeolite may play in the remediation of Arsenic contaminated sites and may help the development of reliable forcefields that can be employed in classical MD simulations to simulate complex systems.

Source: KNUST
Potential Use of Eragrostis Curvula and Chromolaena Odorata for Phytoremediation on Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil: A Case Study at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited – Ahafo Kenyasi

Contaminated soil containing oil and grease and total petroleum hydrocarbon was phytoremediated by blending 3 Kg of the hydrocarbon contaminated soil with portions of compost, topsoil and fertilizer (urea). The soil was homogenized with the above mentioned nitrogen sources and monitored for a period of Twenty (20) weeks with seeds of Chromolaena odorata (Acheampong plant) and vegetative part of Eragrostis curvula (Love grass) nursed and planted respectively. The different treatment combinations used in this study were, Treatment A (Hydrocarbon contaminated soil (HCS) + Top soil), Treatment B (HCS + Inorganic fertilizer), Treatment C (HCS + Compost), Treatment D (HCS + Fertilizer + Topsoil), Treatment E (HCS + Compost + Topsoil), Treatment F (HCS + fertilizer + Compost) and the control treatment, Treatment G (HCS only). The different treatment combinations were augmented with different levels of inorganic nitrogen at 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2%. The 7 different treatments all reported significantly different rates of biodegradation of oil and grease and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), with most of the treatments resulting in significant reduction of oil and grease and TPH concentrations. The results of the phytoremediation experiment indicated measurable reduction of oil and grease as well as Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations in the different treatment media as far as the two plants are concerned with Treatment E resulted in the best enhancement of oil and grease and TPH with over 90% reduction in contaminant levels after the 20-week period. Generally, the treatment combinations with the 0.8% nitrogen amendment recorded the lowest oil and grease and TPH phytoremediation rates using Chromolaena odorata and Eragrostis curvula. The residual Oil and Grease / TPH levels after the 20-week period were higher in 0.8% compared to the 1.0% and 1.2% Nitrogen levels. The phytoremediation experiment showed that, the higher the nitrogen amendment in the various treatments, the higher the plant growth and thus the higher the reduction of the petroleum contaminants. The addition of organic fertilizers and materials significantly (p<0.05) enhanced phytoremediation rates. Treatment E (Hydrocarbon contaminated soil + Compost + Topsoil) yielded the best phytoremediation rates for the two plants probably because of the compost and topsoil combination as opposed to Treatment B (Hydrocarbon contaminated soil + fertilizer) which consistently produced the lowest phytoremediation rates in the different Nitrogen amendments. Accumulation of oil and grease as well as Total petroleum was also higher in the root and shoot of the Chromolaena odorata as compared to the root and shoot of the Eragrostis curvula after the distractive sampling.

Source: KNUST
Potential use of panicum maximum in producing fashion accessories

The project sought to introduce Panicum maximum into the field of fashion. Most of the materials used in fashion for the production of accessories included fabric, yarns and cords, metals, wood and plastic. These materials on the local market are basically used for fashion accessories. Although traditional fashion designers have of late developed accessories to complement traditional wear, very little had been said or done with Panicum maximum. From the studies made, Panicum maximum could be a suitable material for the production of fashion accessories. The project studied forms and functions of selected fashion accessories, to design the fashion accessories for production in Panicum maximum and translated the design into fashion accessories. The qualitative method of research was employed in the study under which the experimental and descriptive research approaches were used. The study made use of artisans from Adum in Kumasi Metropolis. It was also found that, Panicum maximum can be manipulated using weaving, twist and ply, sewing as well as gluing technique to produce bags, shoes, hat and hair pin. It can also be integrated with other materials for quality and aesthetic finish. Mimi exhibition was held in the view of the general public. It was recommended that, the traditional designers include Panicum maximum as one of the complementary material for the manufacturing of fashion accessories. The users of Panicum maximum in Ghana should establish plantations in the country where Panicum maximum, can be sourced for the production of artefacts for local use as well as for export.

Source: KNUST
The potentials of butternut squash as food

A survey was conducted to find the knowledge gap pertaining to butternut squash. The result obtained revealed consumers are not abreast with the nutritive value of butternut squash. Butternut squash cakes with either reduced sugar, margarine or flour was compared with rich cake without butternut squash. Proximate and sensory analyses showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the values of moisture, ash, fat, carbohydrate, crude fibre, energy, calcium, magnesium and potassium of the butternut squash cakes and the rich cakes. However, no significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded in the values of protein and sodium. The reduced flour butternut squash cake had the best sensory qualities and was the most preferred in terms of sweetness, aroma, firmness, colour, moistness and texture. The next to it was the reduced sugar butternut squash cake. From the results obtained, reducing the quantity of either flour or sugar in rich cake making and replacing them with butternut squash can be an innovative method of producing quality and more nutritious cakes with low calories.

Source: KNUST
Potentials of agroforestry in agricultural land-use systems in the Amansie Resources Limited Concession Area

Amansie Resources Limited (ARL) Concession Area as found within the Sub- humid Lowland region of Ghana is richly endowed with natural resources (fertile soil and vegetation) and therefore promotes various systems of agricultural land-use. The main aim of carrying out this study in the Amansie Resources Limited (ARL) Concession Area was to identify and describe the agricultural land -use systems of the ARL concession area, identify land-use problems and their causes, and identify Agroferesty technologies that could be used to solve the identified problems. The research was done through the use of Diagnosis and Design D&D) Methodology. SPSS Software was used in analysis the data collected and presented in the form of tables, averages, ranges and percentages, etc. Simple analytical tools such as nominal and ordinal level scales were employed in the data analysis. Two main agricultural land-use systems were identified as cash crop/ perennial tree crop and food crop. Problems of agricultural land-use system identified in ARL concession area were basically physical and Natural for example, Land degradation. There were four main causes namely: Mining, deforestation, Erosion and bushfires. The most serious among the four is mining which has resulted in shortening fallow periods than before; reduction of farm plots per farmer, and other associated effects. Apart from the physical problems, some socio-economic (constraints/problems were also identified such as lack of finance, marketing problems, lack of inputs, lack of technological knowhow and lack of Transport services, inadequate Extension services, inavailability of credit facilities, inadeqfarmers Associations and lack of periodic market. It was again found out from the study that animal component is insignificant and also faces problems such as theft and health. It also came up that Respondents in the study area tend trees for agroforestry purposes such as provision of shade, land conservation, income etc. Agroforestry Technologies such as Improved Fallow, Fruit Trees on Croplands were recommended as options to the problems such as scarcity of land, shortening of fallow periods and Lack of finance. It was further suggested that intensive education and awareness creation on Agroforestry Interventions would facilitate the adoption of the modern technologies.

Source: KNUST
Potentials of adiantum raddianum and nephrolepis exaltata for phytoextraction of heavy metals in spiked soils

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that employs the use of higher plants for the cleanup of contaminated environments. Research has demonstrated that selected plant species possess the genetic potential to remove, degrade, metabolize, or immobilize a wide range of contaminants. Despite this tremendous potential, phytoremediation is yet to become a commercial technology. This study was carried out to assess the potential of using Adiantum raddianum (L) and Nephrolepis exaltata (L) for phytoextraction of heavy metals in a spiked soil and the effect of EDTA as mobilizing agents. Heavy metal concentrations in soil and plant parts were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. N. exaltata was able to extract more heavy metals compared to A. raddianum in shoots and roots when grown on spiked as well as spiked and EDTA amended soil samples. The concentrations of metals in both plants were significantly increased when EDTA was added to soil samples. Mean heavy metal concentration was higher in roots than shoots of both plants except Zn which had higher concentration in both plant shoots when grown on spiked as well as spiked and EDTA amended soil samples. In the experiment where soil was spiked and treated with EDTA as mobilizing agent, N. exaltata had bioconcentration indices for Cr and Zn less than one but indices for Pb, Cd and Ni were above 1. In the same experiment, the bioconcentration factor of Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni in A. raddianum were less than 1 but index for Cd was greater than 1. Translocation of Zn by N. exaltata in the experiment where spiked soil was treated with EDTA was greater than 1 making the plant suitable for phytoextraction of a Zn-contaminated site. The plant is however suitable for phytostabilization of Cd, Pb, Cr and Ni-contaminated sites as translocation values were less than 1. A. raddianum had translocation values greater than 1 for Zn and Ni while indices for Cd, Pb and Cr were less than 1 in a spiked and EDTA treated experiment. This makes the plant suitable for Zn and Ni phytoextraction and phytostabilization of Cd, Pb and Cr contaminated sites as metals were mainly stored in roots.

Source: KNUST
Potentials of Synedrella nodiflora and Sida fallax growing naturally around an abandoned railway station for phytoextraction of heavy metals

Phytoextraction is a non-destructive, cost-effective and safe alternative to conventional cleanup techniques of contaminated soils. In this study, the ability of two plants species Synedrella nodiflora and Sida fallax growing naturally around the abandoned Asafo Railway Station in Kumasi for selective extraction and accumulation of four heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Fe and Zn) were studied using Atomic Absorption Spectroscope. The degree of translocation of these metals by the plants was also calculated. High translocation indices greater than one in the case of Fe and Zn were recorded in S. nodiflora and S. fallax, respectively. However Cu and Pb examined in this study were not effectively extracted nor transported within the plants, hence these plants are excluders of Cu and Pb. The soil plant transfer coefficient for both plant species were calculated for each metal. The highest translocation coefficient value in this study for both plants was recorded for Zn. The translocation coefficient values for Pb and Cu were not significant in both plants, hence these plants can be described as Pb and Cu extruders but potential candidates for Fe bioaccumulation using phytoextraction.

Source: KNUST
Potentials of the kente weaving industry for local development: a case study of Keta District in Ghana

Since the 1980’s the promotion of small scale industries has become a major policy thrust in Ghana This policy shift is based on the failure of the large scale industrialization strategy embarked upon during the immediate post-independence era. The significance of this policy shift may be seen in the potential role that small scale industries could play in resource mobilization, local employment and income generation, and basic needs satisfaction. However, the indigenous industry subsector is often disregarded in official promotional programmes apparently due to lack of recognition for the subsector as significant in the local development process. The study, based on the Kente weaving industry in the Keta District of the Volta Region, reveals that the industry has potentials for local development in terms of employment and income generation, skill acquisition, technology adaptation, survival instincts, growth and expansion in the area of exploitation of potential export market The major constraints militating against the development of the subsector relate to low entrepreneurial competence, inadequate institutional support limited access to imported raw material (yam), and low access to capital. To mobilize the potentials identified in the sector, an institutional capacity building approach has been recommended with the District Assembly playing a co-ordinating and facilitating role in the small scale business promotion process. An entrepreneurial competence-based promotional strategy is also recommended to help raise the entrepreneurial capabilities of the craftsmen.

Source: KNUST
Poverty alleviation among poor households in Akuapem North Municipality, the role of microfinance: a case study of Akuapem Rural Bank Limited.

The purpose of the research was to find out how the microfinance activities of Akuapem Rural Bank have help to reduce the poverty levels among poor households in its catchment areas. The study was also to ascertain whether or not the activities of the microfinance of the Bank ha s any positive impact on the living conditions of the beneficiaries and the extent to which it has reached the unbanked population in the rural areas. In the research process, ten (10) groups were selected of which seventy (70) respondents were chosen, sev en (7) from each group. All the selected groups and respondents were done through simple random sampling. The Bank also provided information needed on the beneficiaries who patronized the microfinance activities from 2010- 2015. All these information were put together and analyzed using Statistical Product and Services Solution (SPSS) version 16. The SPSS was used to generate frequency tables for the analysis. The data analyzed revealed that businesses of beneficiaries and their livelihoods have improved as a result of the microfinance scheme. Also, out of the seventy (70) respondents sampled, 37.1 per cent were new members who never had any banking experience before. This means that the microfinance had been able to reach out to some unbanked population in the rural areas. It is therefore recommended that men must be included in the various groups to help alleviate the level of poverty faster in the rural areas. Also, the bank must expand the activities of the mi crofinance to cover more qualified people in the rural areas

Source: KNUST