| dc.description.abstract |
The study involved analysis of water samples from wells, salt pans and lagoons as
well as soil samples in the proximity of areas in communities where small-scale salt
mining activities is undertaken in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA)
District. In addition, a social survey and detailed observation o f anthropogenic
activities were also made to determine the effects o f small-scale salt mining on the
environment, and how these environmental impacts affect socio-economic activities
in the study area. Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging
from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU
to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH.
conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values
ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l
(216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l)
respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and
300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable
limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also
higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were
lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered
water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total
hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for
drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use
and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of
the communities in the study area. Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging
from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU
to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH.
conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values
ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l
(216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l)
respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and
300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable
limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also
higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were
lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered
water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total
hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for
drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use
and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of
the communities in the study area.Results obtained from analysis of water taken from the wells gave values ranging
from 4.1 to 8.3 (mean=6.7), 1730|.iS/cm to 9900|j.S/cm (mean=4628|rS/cm), I.4NTU
to 4.7NTU (mean=4.7NTU), 895mg/l to 3790mg/l (mean=1904mg/l) for pH.
conductivity, turbidity and TDS. respectively. Salinity. Ca. Mg and Cu. had values
ranging between 0.8mg/l and 6.0mg/l (mean=2.6mg/l), 80mg/l and 400mg/l
(216mg/l). 146mg/l and 534mg/l (mean=224mg/l) and 0.1 mg/1 and 7.5mg/l (2.3mg/l)
respectively. Faecal coliform contents recorded also ranged between 40cfu/100ml and
300cfu/100ml (134cfu/f00ml). All these were far above the EPA (Ghana) acceptable
limits. The results obtained from analysis of the lagoons and the salt pans were also
higher than the EPA acceptable limit, though those recorded for the wet season were
lower than those recorded in the dry season. A combination o f the above has rendered
water from wells in the study area unfit for domestic use. Salinity content and total
hardness of the water are at such levels that the water is very difficult to use for
drinking, washing and other domestic purposes. As a result, water for domestic use
and other commercial activities is bought at an extra cost to the residents in some of
the communities in the study area. The nutrient contents o f the soil in the study area were not far below the Booker
Tropical Soil Manual acceptable range for most crops. The organic contents of the
soil are, however, very low with values ranging between 0.2% and 2.0% and 0.3%
and 3.4% recorded. Recorded conductivity values were between 80mS/cm and
5430mS/cm. Values recorded for nitrogen and potassium were between 0.01% and
0.1 % and 10.5 and 66.5mg/kg, respectively. This is an indication that soils in the
study area are not fertile probably due to the activities o f small-scale salt mining in
the study area. Gardening at the immediate outskirts o f the communities, which was a
previous pastime of most inhabitants, has reduced. Those who are involved in full
time farming are also moving further inland to farm.
The social survey and the observations made indicated that large tracts o f mangrove
forest along the banks o f the lagoons have been cleared to make way for the
construction o f salt pans. The mangroves served as source o f fuel for domestic use in
some o f the communities as well serve as firewood for fish smoking and boiling of
brine in the production o f salt. Again, areas occupied by the mangroves served as
hunting grounds for fish, crabs and migratory birds which are either consumed or sold
for money. Destruction o f mangroves has led to a reduction in the above mentioned
activities. Despite the apparently negative impacts that small-scale salt mining may be having on
the environment, many inhabitants in the study area, especially women still want salt
mining activities to be undertaken of the benefits derived by way o f employment and
income. Construction o f salt pans in the coastal scrub and grassland vegetation belt, and the
replanting o f mangrove trees in abandoned salt pans, should be encouraged to reduce
the impact o f small-scale salt mining on the environment. |
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