Browsing by Author "Nukpezah, D."
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Item Accumulation of heavy metals and human health risk assessment of vegetable consumption from a farm within the Korle lagoon catchment(Heliyon, 2023) Osae, R.; Nukpezah, D.; Darko, D.A.; Koranteng, S.S.; Mensah, A.The Korle lagoon is known to have high concentration of heavy metals. The use of land for agriculture and water for irrigation within the Korle Lagoon’s catchment constitutes a potential health risk. Due to this, the study assessed the concentration of heavy metals in some vegetables (Amaranth, Spinach, Eggplant, Lettuce, Cauliflower, and Onion) and their corresponding soil from a farm within the Korle Lagoon’s catchment. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) was used to assess their health risks. Among the vegetables tested, heavy metals in lettuce exceeded their recommended guideline level. Additionally, the concentrations of Fe (265.94–3599.60 mg/kg) and Zn (76.77–294.70 mg/kg) in all vegetables were above the recommended guideline level. Also, Zn (227.30–534.57 mg/kg) and Pb (101.53–407.58 mg/kg), in soil were above the recommended guideline level for soil. The results also showed not only the severity of heavy metal pollution of soil in the study area, but also risks that were deemed carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic to both adults and children as a result of consumption of vegetables from the study area. The hazard index for adults (0.46–41.156) and children (3.880–384.122), were high for all vegetables tested and are associated with cancer risk due to high Cr and Pb levels. The risk assessment showed that children may suffer more carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk than adults. The study concluded that vegetables grown within the Korle lagoon’s catchment is not suitable for consumption due to the associated adverse health effect.Item Adaptive Capacity of Farmers to Climate Change in the Kassena Nankana Municipality of Ghana: Implications for climate adaptation strategies(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018) Kabobah, L.; Nukpezah, D.; Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y.This study analyzed factors that contribute to the adaptive capacity of farmers based on their settlement types and use/access to five forms of capital assets (natural, social, financial, physical and human). The use/access to assets were estimated and categorized into high, moderate and low adaptive capacities. The data was based on a survey of 155 farmers from three communities in the Kassena Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. From the findings, Manyoro, the urban community, recorded the highest adaptive score although their illiteracy level was highest. Low adaptive farmers had low access to credits and alternative livelihoods compared to farmers with high adaptive capacity. Access to irrigation had a positive significant influence on adaptive capacity. In general, the more accessible a resource was to a farmer, the more adaptable that farmer was to climate change. Following the findings of this study, it is important that policy interventions in the area prioritize creation and encouragement in alternative livelihoods sources as a means of increasing the adaptive capacity of famers in the rural and semi-urban areas. Also, private and government institutions should invest in irrigation and credits facilities as measures for economic growth and adaptation to the effects of climate change on agriculture. Farmers should be empowered through better extension and agroclimatic information and other affordable modern technologies.Item Assessing the Impact of an Operating Tailings Storage Facility on Catchment Surface and Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of Adamus Resources Limited (Nzema Gold Mine) in the Ellembele District of the Western Region of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2016-03) Acheampong, E.A.; Nyame, F. K.; Nukpezah, D.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environmental and Sanitation StudiesThe study assessed the impact of an operating Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) of Adamus Resources Limited (Nzema Gold Mine) in the Ellembele District, Western Ghana, on catchment surface and groundwater quality. Water samples were collected between June and December 2014 from seventeen (17) sampling sites including the TSF decant water (TSF-DW), three (3) streams, a water storage dam, a pond and eleven (11) groundwater monitoring boreholes within 500m radius of the mine’s Tailings Storage Facility. Samples were analyzed for pH, true colour, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury) and cyanide (weak acid dissociable cyanide (WAD), free cyanide and total cyanide) using standard procedures. Structured questionnaires were also administered to one hundred and twenty inhabitants living close to the TSF to solicit their opinion regarding the impact of the facility (TSF) on water quality in the communities out of which one hundred people responded. Results obtained from the analysis of water samples from the TSF-DW indicated that pH values range from 7.4 – 8.9 (mean 8.2), EC 1340 – 1630 μS/cm ( mean 1507.1 μS/cm), TSS 19 – 105 mg/l (mean 55.3 mg/l), arsenic 0.17 - 5 mg/l (mean 1.26 mg/l), cadmium 0.0001- 0.0004 mg/l (mean 0.0002 mg/l), copper 0.058 - 0.35 mg/l (mean 0.15 mg/l), mercury <0.0001 - 0.0002 mg/l ( mean 0.002 mg/l), Weak Acid Dissociable (WAD) cyanide <0.005 - 1.04 mg/l (mean 1.04 mg/l), total cyanide <0.0005 - 1.55 mg/l (mean 0.59 mg/l) and free cyanide <0.005 - 1.04 mg/l (mean 0.38 mg/l). pH values of surface water samples collected ranged from 6.3 -7.3 (mean 6.7), EC 55.5 – 185.7 μS/cm (mean 116.8), TSS 10.7- 990 mg/l (mean 230 mg/l), arsenic 0.001- 0.021 mg/l (mean 0.021 mg/l), copper The study assessed the impact of an operating Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) of Adamus Resources Limited (Nzema Gold Mine) in the Ellembele District, Western Ghana, on catchment surface and groundwater quality. Water samples were collected between June and December 2014 from seventeen (17) sampling sites including the TSF decant water (TSF-DW), three (3) streams, a water storage dam, a pond and eleven (11) groundwater monitoring boreholes within 500m radius of the mine’s Tailings Storage Facility. Samples were analyzed for pH, true colour, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury) and cyanide (weak acid dissociable cyanide (WAD), free cyanide and total cyanide) using standard procedures. Structured questionnaires were also administered to one hundred and twenty inhabitants living close to the TSF to solicit their opinion regarding the impact of the facility (TSF) on water quality in the communities out of which one hundred people responded. Results obtained from the analysis of water samples from the TSF-DW indicated that pH values range from 7.4 – 8.9 (mean 8.2), EC 1340 – 1630 μS/cm ( mean 1507.1 μS/cm), TSS 19 – 105 mg/l (mean 55.3 mg/l), arsenic 0.17 - 5 mg/l (mean 1.26 mg/l), cadmium 0.0001- 0.0004 mg/l (mean 0.0002 mg/l), copper 0.058 - 0.35 mg/l (mean 0.15 mg/l), mercury <0.0001 - 0.0002 mg/l ( mean 0.002 mg/l), Weak Acid Dissociable (WAD) cyanide <0.005 - 1.04 mg/l (mean 1.04 mg/l), total cyanide <0.0005 - 1.55 mg/l (mean 0.59 mg/l) and free cyanide <0.005 - 1.04 mg/l (mean 0.38 mg/l). pH values of surface water samples collected ranged from 6.3 -7.3 (mean 6.7), EC 55.5 – 185.7 μS/cm (mean 116.8), TSS 10.7- 990 mg/l (mean 230 mg/l), arsenic 0.001- 0.021 mg/l (mean 0.021 mg/l), copper mining industry’s best practices by ARL with regards to TSF management could also be a contributing factor to the quality of water bodies in close proximity to the facility. However, inhabitants living close to the TSF believe their water quality has been impacted adversely by the facility with five percent (5%) of the respondents relating the impact to smell, 78% to colour and 17% to odour.Item Biosand filter as a household water treatment technology in ghana and its ecobusiness potential: An assessment using a lifecycle approach(Journal of Environmental Accounting and Management, 2015-11) Hogarh, J.N.; Sowunmi, F.A.; Oluwafemi, A.P.; Antwi-Agyei, P.; Nukpezah, D.; Atewamba, C.T.Biosand filter basically applies a system of sand, gravels and biologically active microorganisms to remove unwanted substances from drinking water. Field trials of the biosand filter for domestic water treatment in rural communities have shown remarkable health gains from its application. As such, there are calls to scale up its application in developing countries. This study investigated factors that may influence the acceptability of the biosand filter at the household level in rural communities in Ghana. The study further applied lifecycle environmental and cost assessments to analyse the eco-efficiency potential of the biosand filter and examined prospects of leveraging this potential for green business development. The key demographic and socio-economic indicators of biosand filter acceptability related to gender, age, education and wealth. Females showed greater interest in the biosand filter, while discrete increase in age, relative advancement in education and economic status of respondents may each increase the prospects of purchasing biosand filter. Compared to local sachet water production, which was considered as a quasialternative to the biosand filter, it was established that the latter has superior eco-efficiency, provided quite comparable profitability and potentially viable for eco-business development. The information yielded by this study is useful for scaling up considerations of the biosand filter technology in Ghana and other West African countries. © 2015 L&H Scientific Publishing, LLC.Item Community forestry in Cameroon: Insights on state institutional deficits(Trees, Forests and People, 2022) Alemagi, D.; Nukpezah, D.; Peter, M.; et al.Community forestry (CF) was set-up in Cameroon about 20 years ago to enable better environmental, economic, and social benefits for communities. Since then, 430 community forests have been attributed, covering an area of almost 1.7 million ha. However, less than a quarter (10%) are in active management or enterprise. Weak institutions have been widely cited as a leading cause of poor performance in the community forestry process. This paper examines the current state of institutional deficits in Cameroon and identifies pathways for overcoming the deficits. Our analysis is based on a rigorous review of documented experiences so far. Results obtained revealed that emerging deficits revolve around form and function. Legal; power, authority and rights; and size and biophysical potential deficits grouped under the realm of form while resources; capacity; and governance deficits were grouped under the realm of functions. Proposed solutions to these deficits point to the need to recognize and manage inter-dependencies between challenges and corresponding potential solutions. Hence, a system or integrated approach is needed to tackle the problems identified.Item Concentration of heavy metals in two fish species (Cynoscion regalis and Pomatomus saltatrix) from an oil drilling area in Western Coast of Ghana and public health risk assessment(ANSF, 2021) Ofosu, F.; Fosu-Mensah, B.Y.; Nukpezah, D.; Mensah, M.This study assessed heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd)) concentration in water (from borehole, hand-dug well and the sea) and fish (Cynoscion regalis and Pomatomus saltatrix species) and possible health risk exposure by the consumption of these fishes. A total of 18 samples of water and samples of two species of fish (C. regalis and P. saltatrix) were collected from Jomoro, Ellembelle and Ahanta West District and analyzed for the concentration of Pb, Ni, Fe, Cr, and Cd using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Results revealed appreciable concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Fe in the fish muscle and Ni, Cr, and Fe in water. Cadmium and Cr were not detected in the fish samples. Heavy metals in fish increased in the order Pb < Ni < Fe. The Estimated Daily Intake of fish value for adult ranged 1.88 x 10-3 to 2.03 x 10-1 (mg/kg bw/ day), however, those for children were 4.40 x 10-3 to 4.74 x 10-1 (mg/kg bw/day). For health risk assessment, the Total Targeted Hazard Quotient for adults was < 1; however, those for children were >1 for C. regalis but less than 1 (< 1) for P. saltatrix mean ing children who consume C. regalis are exposed to health risk in their life time. The results confirmed that contaminated environments could result in bioaccumulation of metal pollutants in fish's muscle, which poses a health risk to humans when consumed. Awareness and education of the general public on the threshold of heavy metals in fish and water are crucial to safeguard against health risks.Item Environmental Effects of Sewage Pollution and Wastewater Effluent Quality Assessment: A Case Study of Tema Metropolis, Ghana(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Marfo, A. A.; Ananng, T. Y.; Nukpezah, D.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environment and Sanitation StudiesThe environmental effects of sewage pollution and wastewater effluent quality management in the Tema Metropolis, Ghana was assessed over a three month period. Effluent samples were collected from main manholes comprising raw wastewater from domestic, central business area (CBA), industrial and the outfall point at sea, sakumono beach. The Physico-chemical and bacteriological analysis were determined using standard methods. The results of the Physico-chemical parameters values were; pH 7.3- 8.2; EC 1277 – 56828 μS/cm; TDS 613 – 28413 mg/l); BOD 3.8-53 mg/l; and the nutrients ranged from NO3-_N 1.5- 13.5 mg/l; NH3-N,0.2-3.8 mg/l; PO43- 0.6-6.4 mg/l. The bacteriological analysis also recorded TC 6.6-5761 cfu/100ml: FC 0.6-139cfu/100ml and E.coli 0.3-34cfu/1m respectively. The level of compliance of effluent with the physico- chemical and bacteriological parameters were all below the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) permissible standards for wastewater discharge at the outfall point at the sakumono beach. Although, the nutrient levels were not too high,yet may have the potential to cause eutrophication especially in the water bodies that sewage overflow into such as Chemu, Gao and Sakumono lagoon and deplete the oxygen levels which will affect the aquatic life. The results of the social survey analysis observed some challenges with respect to the management of wastewater in the Tema Metropolis. Eighty percent (80%) admitted environmental, social and public health effects such as water borne diseases such as malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery among others.To prevent or reduce environmental effects and health risk associated with wastewater and sewage pollution, adoption and utilization of decentralized wastewater technologies that are most economically useful and efficient for the tropics such as waste stabilization ponds to safeguard public health and prevent negative environmental effects.Item Groundwater Contamination with Toxic Metals through Small Scale Mining within the Lower Pra Basin(University of Ghana, 2013-06) Dorleku, M.; Carboo, D.; Nukpezah, D.Small-scale gold mining in Ghana is mainly an informal industry employing thousands of people. The generally undeveloped nature of the industry has resulted in lack of proper monitoring and supervision by relevant authorities. As a result, there is wanton destruction of farm lands and indiscriminate pollution of water bodies. These water bodies serve us recharge zones for groundwater, thereby polluting them. This study assessed the effects of small-scale gold mining on quality of groundwater in the Lower Pra Basin in terms of heavy metal and other physico-chemical pollution. The analysis shows that pH values are generally low in the Basin. More than 95 % of dry season and almost all the wet season values are acidic or slightly acidic. Approximately 35 % of boreholes in the wet season recorded values for Cadmium above W.H.O guideline value of 3.0 μg/l. Only two boreholes recorded values above W.H.O guideline value for the dry season. The higher wet season pollution suggests anthropogenic origin for Cd. Generally, high values were recorded for Iron, Manganese, Lead, Aluminium and Hg. Approximately 15% and 18 % of dry and wet season values respectively for Fe were above W.H.O recommended limit of 300 μg/l for drinking water with a mean of 218 μg/l and a median of 166 μg/l. Manganese concentration was in the range 2.5 - 1544 μg/l with a mean of 142 μg/l. Roughly 5 % and 11 % of the dry and wet season values respectively, were above the W.H.O recommended value of 500 μg/l. The concentration of Lead was higher than 10 μg/l (W.H.O guideline value) in 43% and 41% of the dry and wet season values respectively with a mean of 15.8 μg/l and 20.1 μg/l for dry and wet seasons respectively. About, 88% and 42% of the dry and wet season values, respectively, were above the W.H.O limit of 1.0μg/l for mercury. Dry season values ranged between 0.005 and 10.1μg/l with the wet season recording values between 0.005 to 16.4 μg/l. Approximately 17 % and 11 % of dry and wet seasons respectively recorded values above the W.H.O recommended limit of 200 μg/l for Aluminium. Other heavy metals present but were generally below W.H.O guideline values or were in insignificant concentrations include Copper, Arsenic, selenium and Zinc. Values recorded for Phosphate, Sulphate and Nitrate are within acceptable limits. In general, Lead, Copper, Cadmium, and Manganese showed higher wet season values than dry season suggesting anthropogenic influence .Item Heavy metal mobility, bioavailability, and potential toxicity in sediments of the Korle lagoon in Ghana(Taylor & Francis Group, 2022) Osae, R.; Nukpezah, D.; Darko, D.A.; Mensah, A.This study aimed to identify the mobility, bioavailability, and potential toxicity of heavy metals (HM) in sediments of the Korle lagoon using metal partition. Sediments were analysed using the BCR (Bureau of reference) method. As (60%), Pb (50%), Zn (57%) and Fe (40%) were found in high concentration in the ion exchangeable fraction. The oxidisable fraction was dominated by Cu (51%), Cd (95%), Cr (61%), Ni (63%), As (35%), Fe (21%), Hg (30%), Pb (19%) and Zn (11%). The reducible fraction was dominated by Zn (29%), Pb (24%) and Hg (19%). The residual fraction was dominated by Hg (49%) and Fe (34%). PCA was used to identify pH and organic matter as the most important factors controlling the mobility and bioavailability of HM in the sediments. Arsenic, Pb, Zn and Fe were found to have the highest mobility. Chromium, Cu and Ni have medium mobility. Hg has low mobility. Most of the HM show potential bioavailability and toxicity.Item An integrated assessment of the ecological health status of coastal aquatic ecosystems of Ada in Ghana(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018-01) Larbi, L.; Nukpezah, D.; Mensah, A.; Appeaning-Addo, K.This paper aims at assessing the ecological health status of aquatic ecosystems in the coastal area of Ada in Ghana. Healthy aquatic ecosystems are characterized by high species diversity, good water and habitat quality among others. An ecological assessment was conducted to describe the landuse pattern, water quality and habitat quality of critical aquatic ecosystems. Physicochemical parameters of water were monitored for three months each in the dry and wet seasons. Biological components which composed of macroinvertebrate and aquatic macrophyte were studied to determine the biodiversity status. The results revealed that 70% of the sampled aquatic ecosystems have concentrations of water parameters within the limits of natural background levels. However, the concentrations of nitrates and phosphates were significantly higher than the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) standards for healthy aquatic ecosystems. With regards to landuse and habitat quality, seventy percent (70%) of the sampled ecosystems were found to be in poor condition. Increasing effort on awareness programmes is needed to improve community participation to ensure proper disposal of domestic and industrial waste.Item Leadership, local knowledge and water management: lessons from fringe communities of the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve(Ghana International Journal of Development and Sustainability. 3 (2): 353-370., 2014) Ofori, B. D.; Nukpezah, D.; Ayivor, J.S.; Lawson, E.T.; Gordon, C.Access to water remains a key global issue in spite of significant progress made over the past two decades towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal drinking water target. This study therefore examined how local leadership and community-based institutions contribute to effective and sustainable management of water resources and environmental stewardship in the face of climate change. The study focused on three outlying farming communities of the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve of the forest-savannah transitional zone of Ghana. The study adopted participatory rural appraisal methodologies involving focus group discussions, interviews and observation at the community level. The study noted that the influence of local chiefs is a strong factor in the management of water resources and environmental stewardship. Lack of effective community leadership, accountability on the part of community water management committees and cooperation between indegense and migrant settlers constitute a major constraint towards achieving effective management of water resources. The study advocated for stronger cooperation among people of different ethnic backgrounds to sustain community water management. There is also the need for support from the local government and law enforcemnet agencies to enhance communiy initiatives at conflict resolution arising out of multiple use of water resources.Item Levels and Distribution of Heavy Metals in Weija Reservoir, Accra, Ghana(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018) Ansah, E.; Nukpezah, D.; Hogarh, J.N.Reservoirs are normally subjected to various forms of degradation due to pollution arising from anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are of particular concern because of their potential toxic effect and ability to bio-accumulate in aquatic ecosystems. Agricultural activities around the Weija reservoir and municipal waste leachate intrusion have been reported. Investigations were therefore conducted to determine the levels and distribution of heavy metals in the Weija reservoir. Specific heavy metals were determined in water, suspended particles, sediments and fish species using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Mercury was analysed with a mercury analyser, which uses cold vapour. The result showed that the concentrations of metals were greater in sediment than the suspended particles and reservoir water; Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were all below the chronic freshwater quality criteria for aquatic life. Iron (Fe) and Mn were the most abundant elements associated with the suspended solids, whiles Cd was the least. With the exception of Cu and Cd that were not detected in the fish species, the other metals were found at varying concentrations, but within acceptable thresholds. The concentrations of heavy metals in the various fish and prawn species were ranked in the following order: Parachanna obscura > Macrobrachium rosenbergii > Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus > Clarias batracus > Clarias gariepinus > Hemichromis faciatus > Sarotherodon melantheron. There were significant positive correlation between the following metals in water; Pb and Zn (r=0.66), Cr and As (r=0.52). Evidence from principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that two key source factors, characterised as related to mining and municipal solid wastes, underpinned heavy metal contamination in the Weija reservoir. Thus, illegal small-scale mining along the tributaries feeding the Weija reservoir affected the quality of water received in the reservoir.Item Nature of climate change-induced risks in semi-arid northwestern Ghana: Gauged observations, perceptions of smallholder farmers, and perspectives for livelihood adaptation(Information Development, 2023) Lente, I.; Heve, W.K.; Owusu-Twum, M.Y.; Gordon, C.; Opoku, P.; Nukpezah, D.; Klutse, N.A.B.Climate variability and impact have been an endemic challenge to smallholder farmers who largely depend on rainy weather for livelihoods in semi-arid north-western Ghana. Many households in semi arid regions exhibit low levels of adaptive capacity due to ineffective adaptation strategies and poor cop ing strategies. This study examined (1) trends in gauged rainfall and temperature data spanning the per iod from 1984 to 2014 and (2) smallholder farmers’ perceptions about yearly cyclical weather, and difficulties associated with climate change adaptations. The study adopted the participatory rural appraisal design using questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions for collection of data for analysis. Estimated parameters partially supported that yearly temperatures are increasing, whereas annual rainfall is declining, although the latter is not significantly related to the former. Smallholder farm ers’ perceptions about changing weather conditions did not corroborate the observed declining annual rainfall trend. These farmers are faced with livelihood-affecting risks during either ‘prolonged dry per iods from October to May’ or ‘short annual rainy season from mid-May to September. Therefore, access to climate information and available climate adaptation strategies could improve farming activities and livelihoods of farmers in response to climate change.Item Pesticides Bioconcentration Potential of Aquatic Plants in the Volta Lake(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2018) Koranteng, S.S.; Darko, D.A.; Nukpezah, D.; Ameka, G.K.The Volta Lake is known for the proliferation of numerous aquatic plants in its shallow waters. A major cause for the presence of the luxuriant vegetation is the intensive agricultural activities along the banks. These activities are heavily dependent on agrochemicals including fertilizers, which eventually get into the aquatic ecosystem via water ways. In this study, two aquatic plants; Ceratophyllum demersum and Nymphaea lotus were investigated in a pilot study to determine their bioconcentration of pesticides. Levels of organochlorine (OCs) and synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) were analysed using gas chromatograghy equipped with electron capture detector while gas chromatography equipped with pulse flame photometric detector was used for the organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) determination in the plant tissues. The ambient concentrations of these pesticides in the aqueous medium were also determined and the ratios of pesticide concentration in the plant and water samples estimate bioconcentration potential of the plants. Out of 38 detected pesticides, 22 (representing 58%) were bioconcentrated by the aquatic weeds. The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) range for Ceratophyllum demersum was 1.06 – 4,470 and that for Nymphaea lotus was 1.27 – 800. By the standard of the European Union regulation for registration of chemicals, levels of diazinon and chlorpyrifos in Ceratophyllum demersum fulfilled the ‘bioaccumulation’ criterion (i.e BCF > 2000) while fenitrothion, with BFC of 5500 in the same plant fulfilled ‘very bioaccumulation’ criterion (BCF ≥ 5000). This study shows that aquatic weeds in their natural ecosystem have the remediation potential, though to varying degrees and hence play a role in the improvement of water quality.Item Phytoremediation of Sewage Effluent with Some Selected Aquatic Plants from Anaerobically Digested Biogas Plant From the Valley View University Biogas Facility, Oyibi, Accra(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Aboagye, H.A.; Annang, T.; Nukpezah, D.; University of Ghana, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Institute for Environment and Sanitation StudiesWater is a resource of increasing scarcity due to continual expansion of production, increase in population and urbanization. This work was conducted to assess the quality of sewage effluent from a biogas facility at the Valley View University, Oyibi, Accra and also to investigate into the phytoremediation potential of Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth), Neptunia oleracae (Water mimosa), Lemna minor (Duckweed) and Ceratophyllum desernum (Coontail) in remediating contaminants from the sewage effluent. This is in the broader interest of resource recovery (especially water) from sewage effluent which could be used for both essential and non-essential purpose. Samples of sewage effluent for phytoremediation were taken over a period of six weeks and subjected to microbiological and physico-chemical examination to assess the reductions in levels of pollutants. The studied parameters included Temperature, Hydrogen ion concentration, Turbidity, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Phosphate, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Total Coliform, Faecal Coliform and Total heterotrophic bacteria. These were used to assess the performance efficiency of the aquatic plants in reducing the polluting strength of the waste water. The data were analyzed using Microsoft excel and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software packages. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was ran to determine significant differences of the parameters per plant. Results from this study showed that only parameters such temperature (27.3°C), pH (7.47), BOD (38 mg/l), Turbidity (48 mg/l) and TC (348 cfu/100ml) were within EPA limits and hence sewage effluent from the Valley View University biogas facility was not satisfactory to be discharged into the environment. The study also found out that Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth), Neptunia oleracea (Water mimosa), Lemna minor (duckweed) and Ceratophyllum demersum (coontail) have great removal efficiencies for contaminants from sewage effluent. The efficiency in terms of decreasing ranking were Ceratophyllum demersum > Eichhornia crassipes > Lemna minor > Neptunia oleracea. This study also determined the public awareness and the potential for acceptance, of reuse applications for the treated sewage effluent. It revealed that both women and men have concerns especially regarding the use of treated wastewater as drinking water and felt that treated wastewater reuse for applications not involving close personal contact was acceptable, due to reduced health risk concerns. An integrated approach for treatment of the sewage effluent from the Valley View University biogas facility is recommended before any reuse application.Item A qualitative study on rural women's experiences relating to the utilisation of birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Bongo District in the Upper East Region of Ghana(BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2019-05-21) Nukpezah, D.; Nartey, N.N.; Hogarh, J.N.; Antwi‐Agyei, P.; Abaidoo, R.C.; Obiri‐Danso, K.Tropical reservoirs are important for numerous socioeconomic and ecological reasons, including water supply, fishing and flood control. These functions are easily compromised, however, when reservoirs undergo accelerated sedimentation with increased inputs of chemical contaminants. The present study applied the concept of sediment core analysis to evaluate the sedimentation rate in Owabi Reservoir, which has served as a source of drinking water supply in Kumasi, Ghana, for nearly a century. The temporal variation of contamination from heavy metals was also assessed over this period. The sedimentation rate for Owabi Reservoir was estimated to be 6.82 mm/year, suggesting a relatively low rate of sedimentation, which is ecologically healthy in preventing a rapid loss of reservoir water volume. Heavy metal concentrations in the sediment cores taken from the reservoir reflected varying degree of contamination from the 1930s to 2010s. The concentration of iron (Fe) (1,560–1,770 mg/kg) was found to be the highest among the metals in the sediment core, while mercury (Hg) concentration (0.01–0.04 mg/kg) was the lowest. Lead (Pb) contamination peaked in the 1980s. Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination exhibited more recent peaks in the 2000s, coinciding with recent widespread issues of artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) in Ghana. Thus, even though ASGM activities are known to occur in remote districts, releases from such activities might eventually contaminate reservoirs designated as urban drinking water supplies.Item Reduced Bacterial Counts from a Sewage Treatment Plant but Increased Counts and Antibiotic Resistance in the Recipient Stream in Accra, Ghana—A Cross-Sectional Study(MDPI, 2021) Adomako, L.A.B.; Yirenya-Tawiah, D.; Nukpezah, D.; Abrahamya, A.; Labi, A.; Grigoryan, R.; Ahmed, H.; Owusu-Danquah, J.; Annang, T.Y.; Banu, R.A.; Osei-Atweneboana, M.Y.; Timire, C.; Tweya, H.; Ackon, S.E.D.; Nartey, E.; Zachariah, R.Wastewater treatment plants receive sewage containing high concentrations of bacte ria and antibiotics. We assessed bacterial counts and their antibiotic resistance patterns in water from (a) influents and effluents of the Legon sewage treatment plant (STP) in Accra, Ghana and (b) upstream, outfall, and downstream in the recipient Onyasia stream. We conducted a cross sectional study of quality-controlled water testing (January–June 2018). In STP effluents, mean bacterial counts (colony-forming units/100 mL) had reduced E. coli (99.9% reduction; 102,266,667 to 710), A. hydrophila (98.8%; 376,333 to 9603), and P. aeruginosa (99.5%; 5,666,667 to 1550). Antibiotic resistance was significantly reduced for tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime and increased for gentamicin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and imipenem. The highest levels were for amoxicillin/clavulanate (50–97%) and aztreonam (33%). Bacterial counts increased by 98.8% downstream compared to the sewage outfall and were predominated by E. coli, implying intense fecal contamination from other sources. There was a progressive increase in antibiotic resistance from upstream, to outfall, to downstream. The highest resistance was for amoxicillin/clavulanate (80–83%), cefuroxime (47–73%), aztreonam (53%), and ciprofloxacin (40%). The STP is efficient in reducing bacterial counts and thus reducing environmental contamination. The recipient stream is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria listed as critically important for human use, which needs addressing.Item Sedimentation and sediment core profile of heavy metals in the Owabi reservoir in Ghana(Lakes & Reservoirs Research & Management, 2019-05-21) Nukpezah, D.; Nartey, N.N.; Hogarh, J.N.; Antwi‐Agyei, P.; Abaidoo, R.C.; Obiri‐Danso, K.Tropical reservoirs are important for numerous socioeconomic and ecological reasons, including water supply, fishing and flood control. These functions are easily compromised, however, when reservoirs undergo accelerated sedimentation with increased inputs of chemical contaminants. The present study applied the concept of sediment core analysis to evaluate the sedimentation rate in Owabi Reservoir, which has served as a source of drinking water supply in Kumasi, Ghana, for nearly a century. The temporal variation of contamination from heavy metals was also assessed over this period. The sedimentation rate for Owabi Reservoir was estimated to be 6.82 mm/year, suggesting a relatively low rate of sedimentation, which is ecologically healthy in preventing a rapid loss of reservoir water volume. Heavy metal concentrations in the sediment cores taken from the reservoir reflected varying degree of contamination from the 1930s to 2010s. The concentration of iron (Fe) (1,560–1,770 mg/kg) was found to be the highest among the metals in the sediment core, while mercury (Hg) concentration (0.01–0.04 mg/kg) was the lowest. Lead (Pb) contamination peaked in the 1980s. Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination exhibited more recent peaks in the 2000s, coinciding with recent widespread issues of artisanal and small‐scale gold mining (ASGM) in Ghana. Thus, even though ASGM activities are known to occur in remote districts, releases from such activities might eventually contaminate reservoirs designated as urban drinking water supplies