Browsing by Author "Ofosu-Budu, G.K."
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Item Assessment of heavy metal contamination and macro-nutrient content of compose for environmental pollution control in Ghana.(Global Journal of Environmental Research 2(3): 133-139., 2008) Hogard, J.N.; Fobil, J.N.; Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Carboo, D.; Ankrah, N.A.; Nyarko, A.This study examined macro-nutrient content of solid waste compost to determine the potential of the compost for soil fertility amelioration in Ghana. Heavy metal concentrations in the compost were also examined to assess the potential health implication of compost application in urban and peri-urban agriculture. It was observed that the overall NPK concentration was low in the different compost types, but generally total N and K were greater in agricultural waste compost compared to municipal solid waste (MSW) composts. The agricultural waste compost was also richer in organic carbon. In terms of toxicity concerns, heavy metals concentration (Ni, Zn, Cu and Cd) were generally low in the different types of composts and within permissible, Australia standards for compost products. However, lead (Pb) concentration in mixed MSW composts was significantly high in the dry season, exceeding the Australian limit of 150 mg/kg Pb, required for unrestricted compost use. There was considerable seasonal variation in the heavy metal levels in the composts made from open windows process, with reduced levels in the rainy season. It appeared that seasons affected mixed waster characteristics, which affected compost quality. It was therefore concluded that seasons and composting processes, to some extent, were important determinants of the levels of toxic metal concentrations in final compost products in Ghana.Item Atmospheric burden of organochlorine pesticides in Ghana(Chemosphere, 2014-05) Hogarh, J.N.; Seike, N.; Kobara, Y.; Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Carboo, D.; Masunaga, S.Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are subject to the Stockholm Convention on POPs and have been banned or restricted globally. In Ghana, concerns of illicit applications of some OCPs have been raised in recent times. Applying polyurethane foam (PUF) disk passive air samplers (PAS), the levels of OCPs in the atmosphere and their spatial resolution were investigated. It was the first nationwide coverage of OCPs monitoring in Ghana. ∑DDTs and endusulfans constituted the highest burden of atmospheric OCPs in Ghana, at average concentrations of 156±36 and 153±28pgm-3, respectively. Mirex had the lowest concentration (0.2±0.01pgm-3). From the chemical signatures of the various OCPs, we deduced that DDT, endosulfans and heptachlor were freshly applied at certain sites, which were all agricultural sites. The OCPs were spatially resolved as a function of the types of crops cultivated in different areas, legacy issues and recent applications. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.Item Characterizing market crop waste as feedstock for composting to reduce environmental pollution in developing countries(Islamic Azad University, 2023) Nartey, E.K.; Akumah, A.M.; Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; et al.Abstract Purpose Market crop waste (MCW) contributes significantly to the quantity of municipal solid waste generated in sub-Saharan Africa. These wastes, however, contain high levels of plant nutrients which can be harnessed through composting to improve soil organic matter and nutrient status of impoverished tropical soils. Method In this work, annual MCWs from two urban markets in Accra, Ghana were characterized by quantifying their seasonal availabilities, primary nutrients, heavy metals concentrations and level of microbial contamination to ascertain their suitability or otherwise for composting. Results Waste generated in the rainy seasons was higher than in the dry seasons. Primary nutrients sequestered in the MCW collected were 211.1 kg N, 1.84 kg P and 89.66 kg K for both markets. Feedstock quality analysis showed heavy metal levels in the MCW were far below the contaminant levels. Moisture content of vegetable and fruit waste was 74.34 - 90.46% and far above the desired level of aerobic composting. Pathogen levels of 5.92 CFU/g E. coli and 5.41 CFU/g Salmonella in cocoyam leaves; 6.27 CFU/g total coliform and 4.74 CFU/g Enterococcus in cabbage were detected and found to be above the maximum contaminant level as per USEPA standard. Conclusion Use of cassava, plantain peduncle and corn husk as bulking agents with vegetable and fruit waste as N, P and K sources should serve as feedstock for good quality compost production.Item Effect of N-enriched co-compost on transpiration efficiency and water use efficiency of maize (zea mays L) under controlled irrigation(Agricultural Water Management, 2010) Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Adamtey, N.; Cofie, O.; Ofosu-Anim, J.; Laryea, K.B.; Dionys, F.Population growth, urban expansion and economic development are increasing competition for water use between agriculture and other users. In addition, the high rate of soil degradation and declining soil moisture in the Sub-Saharan African Region have called for several crop production management and irrigation options to improve soil fertility, reduce water use by crops and produce more crops per drop of water. Notwithstanding, this, considerable variations exist in the literature on water use efficiency. WUFewu (economic yield per water used) for maize (Zea mays L) across climates and soil management practices. Different views have been expressed on the effect of different rates of nitrogen (N) application on transpiration efficiency. TE (biomass product per unit of water transpired). The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of different rate of N -enriched municipal waste co-compost and its derivative on TE, WUEewu and yield of maize (Z mays L) in comparison to inorganic waste fertiliser. The green house put experiment was conducted in Accra, Ghana a study loam soil (Ferric Lisisol) using a split plot design. The main plot treatments were soil (S) dewatered focal study (DES) municipal solid water compost ( C) co-compost from municipal solid waste and dewatered focal study (Co) compost enriched with (NH4)2SO4. The sub-plot treatments were different rates of application of nitrogen fertilizer applied at the rate at 91, 150 and 210 kg n ha-1 respectively …Item Effect of rootstock on growth, yield and fruit quality of late Valencia sweet orange(Ghana Journal of Horticulture, 2009) Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Quaye, A.; Nkansah, G.O.The citrus rootstock determines several characteristics of the commercial planting material such as tree size, fruit yield, juice quality, maturity date and tolerance to disease like tristeza. The performance of late Valencia budded into four rootstocks; rough lemon, (C. jambhiri); volkameriana (C. volkameriana); Cleopatra mandarin (C. reticulate, Blanco), and Swingle citumelo (C. paradise macf. X P. trifoliate) was evaluated under the tropical himid forest conditions. Parameters such as tree size, yield, juice content, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS: TA ratio were evaluated after seven years. Results showed that the mean canopy volume of late velencia was significantly influenced by the rootstocks as follows: Rough lemon (Rl) 83.4m1, Cleopatra mandarian (Cleo) 54.5m3, Volkameriana (Volk) 53.5 m3, and Swingle citromelo (Swin) 51.2m1, Fruit size of trees grown on Swin was smallest (195g), while those on Volk recorded the biggest (247)g). RL induced the highest yield (7.21 tonnes/ha) while those on Swin recorded the lowest 5.51 tonnes/ha. The juice content (ww) of fruits ranged between 32% in Volk and 40% in Swin. RL induced the lowest TSS (brix) (10%), while Swin induced the highest (11.8%) among the rootstocks examined. Fruit juice of Late Valencia on RL recorded the highest TA (0.94%) while the TA of juice of trees on Swin, recorded the lowest (0.8%). Fruits of trees budded on Cleo and Swin attained nearly maturity as expressed by (TSS: TA) than those on rough lemon or Volk. The TSS value of fruits grown on RL was consistently lower than trees grown on Swin. Volk induced the highest peel thickness and lowest juice content than fruits grown on the other rootstocks. By planting Late Valencia budded onto these rootstocks, the harvesting period can be spread over a longer period, since the minimum TSS: TA for the different rootstocks is attained at different times during the harvesting season. Based on the difference is the mean canopy sizes, the pant spacing of Late Valencia budded onto Swin or Volk should be closer than that on RL and Cleo to achieve higher yield.Item Effects of co-composting of faecal sludge and agricultural wastes on tomato transplant and growth(International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 2017-03) Nartey, E.G.; Amoah, P.; Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Muspratt, A.; Pradhan, S.K.Purpose: Faecal sludge (FS) has been co-composted with many organic solid wastes globally. Agricultural wastes, such as oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and cocoa pod husks (CPH), have received very little research attention as far as combining with FS is concerned. This study aimed at co-composting these wastes at different ratios to produce safe compost for use as soilless medium for raising tomato transplants. Methods: Dewatered FS (DFS) was mixed with shredded EFB and CPH at five different ratios: 1DFS:1EFB, 1DFS:1CPH, and DFS:EFB:CPH in ratios of 1:1:1, 2:1:1, and 2:2:1 and composted for 3 months. Select physicochemical parameters and pathogens were monitored every fortnightly and 3 weeks, respectively. Results: Maximum temperatures obtained ranged 46.8–54.5 °C. Though these temperatures were lower than sanitizing temperatures prescribed by USEPA, no E. coli was found in any of the piles at the end of composting. The ratio 2DFS:2EFB:1CPH was found to be the safest formulation and hence was used to grow tomato under greenhouse conditions. Tomato seeds were sown in three different growing media: 100% FS-based compost, 100% rice husk biochar, and 50% FS-based compost–50% rice husk biochar mix. Conclusion: Results showed that FS-based compost was a suitable growing medium for tomato. Further studies into the optimal rate and frequency of application of compost teas on tomato are recommended. © 2017, The Author(s).Item Enhancing soil productivity in the rain-fed upland ecology through rotational cropping of NERICA (new rice for Africa) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)(International Research Journal, 2012) Nyalemegbe, K.K.; Yangyuoru, M.; Osei-Asare, Y.; Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Mellon, S.; Tegbe, R.E.The NERICA 1 rice variety was grown in rotation with indeterminate cowpea (Adidome mottled), in the Hohoe and Kwaebibirem Districts of Ghana, from 2007-2010, in a randomised complete block experiment, with three replications. Soil and cowpea samples were analysed for nitrogen (N) and organic carbon (OC) contents. Socioeconomic surveys were also conducted before and after the agronomic experiments. The treatments included: Cowpea + P2O5 + K2O (T1), Cowpea only (T2), Cowpea plus 50 % recommended inorganic N fertilizer, using sulphate of ammonia + P2O5 + K2O (T3), Recommended N, i.e. 90 kg N ha-1 + P2O5 + K2O (T4), 75 % N + P2O5 + K2O (T5), 50 % N + P2O5 + K2O (T6), 25 % N + P2O5 + K2O (T7) and no fertilization, control (T8). The P2O5 and K2O fertilizers (triple super phosphate and potassium sulphate, respectively) were applied basally, at rates of 45 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 35 kg K2O ha-1. At Likpe Todome, total N of cowpea residue was 46.2 kg ha-1. Soil OC under cowpea residue was higher than the control (2.0 % and 1.7 %, respectively); soil bulk density (BD) was lower under cowpea residue than the control (1.2 and 1.4 kg m-3, respectively). Grain yields of rice in the cowpea residue treatments were not significantly different from that of the recommended inorganic N, but they all had higher yields than the control. Grain yields were 3.0, 2.9 and 2.6 t ha-1, in treatments T3, T4 and the control, respectively. At Kukubi, total N of cowpea residue was 75.0 kg N ha-1. Soil OC in the 0-15 cm horizon of the plots with cowpea residue was 1.2 %, compared with 1.1 % in the control. Grain yields in T3 and T4 did not differ significantly from each other, but were both higher than in the control. Grain yields were 1.8, 1.4 and 0.3 t ha-1 in T3, T4 and the control, respectively. Soil OC, and the tillering, TDW and grain yield of rice were higher at Likpe Todome than at Kukubi. The net benefit (financial) of treatment 2 was the highest, followed by treatment 1; treatment 4 had the lowest net benefit the dams are equipped with appropriately designed fish passages.Item Harmonizing procedures for the evaluation of compost in two compost types in Ghana(Resources Conservation and Recycling, 2009) Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Adamtey, N.; Cofie, O.; Danso, S.K.A.; Dionys, F.Composting is one of the most favoured options for municipal solid waste recycling for waste streams with high content of biodegradable materials. Compost has many uses including its use in agriculture for soil structure and fertility improvement. However, non-mature composts when applied to soils could present immical phytotoxic problems to crops. Despite this reality, many developing countries including Ghana, fact simple and reliable compost maturity tests, and run the risk of producing and/or using composts that have not reached maturation stage. This study was conducted to validate some chemical and biological procedures for testing the maturity of composts prepared from agricultural residues (AR) and municipal solid wastes (MSW) in Ghana. Three maturity indices – humus colour, CO2 respspirometry, and germination index – were considered for this validation study. For composts produced from crop residues, the optimal values for humus colour test, CO2 evolution test, and germinationindex were 0.36-0.59, 1.24-1.80gCO2 Kg-1, day-1159.5-259.4, respectively. Similarly for the MSW composts the optimal maturity index ranges were 0.41-0.51 for humus colour test, 0.43-0.56g Co2 kg-1 day-1 for CO2 evolution test and 0-59.1 for germination index. The MSW composts appeared mature under humus colour and CO2 evolution tests, but inhibited germination. Agricultural residue composts on the other hand were found to be mature when subjected to all three maturity tests. This is indicative that composts may pass certain maturity parameters, yet fail germination test. It is therefore concluded that the germination test index is able to discriminate better between mature and non-mature composts.Item Harmonizing procedures for the evaluation of compost maturity in two compost types in Ghana(Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2010-01) Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Hogarh, J.N.; Fobil, J.N.; Quaye, A.; Danso, S.K.A.; Carboo, D.Composting is one of the most favoured options for municipal solid waste recycling for waste streams with high content of biodegradable materials. Compost has many uses including its use in agriculture for soil structure and fertility improvement. However, non-mature composts when applied to soils could present inimical phytotoxic problems to crops. Despite this reality, many developing countries including Ghana, lack simple and reliable compost maturity tests, and run the risk of producing and/or using composts that have not reached maturation stage. This study was conducted to validate some chemical and biological procedures for testing the maturity of composts prepared from agricultural residues (AR) and municipal solid wastes (MSW) in Ghana. Three maturity indices - humus colour, CO2 respirometry, and germination index - were considered for this validation study. For composts produced from crop residues, the optimal values for humus colour test, CO2 evolution test, and germination index were 0.36-0.59, 1.24-1.80 gCO2 kg-1 day-1, 159.5-259.4, respectively. Similarly for the MSW composts the optimal maturity index ranges were 0.41-0.51 for humus colour test, 0.43-0.56 g CO2 kg-1 day-1 for CO2 evolution test and 0-59.1 for germination index. The MSW composts appeared mature under humus colour and CO2 evolution tests, but inhibited germination. Agricultural residue composts on the other hand were found to be mature when subjected to all three maturity tests. This is indicative that composts may pass certain maturity parameters, yet fail germination test. It is therefore concluded that the germination test index is able to discriminate better between mature and non-mature composts. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Item Isolation and identification of some plant growth promoting substances in compost and co-compost.(International Journal of Virology 4(2): 30-40., 2008) Hogard, J.N.; Fobil, J.N.; Carboo, D.; Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Ankrah, N.A.; Nyarko, A.In this study, plant growth hormones in compost or co-compost prepared from human excreta and/or municipal solid waste were extracted and identified. Water (deionized) or 80% methanol (chilled) extracts were prepared from the composts for the isolation and identification of plant growth substances. The methanolic extracts of plant growth hormones fraction was further partitioned into cytokinin (fraction) using ethyl acetate and n-butanol; auxins (fraction) using diethyl ether and gibberellins (fraction) using sodium hydrogen carbonate and n-butanol. Five different concentrations of standard plant growth hormones; Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP), Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) were prepared and used in a bioassay test to compare the effects and concentration of the extracted plant growth hormones from the compost and co-compost. The presence of some plant growth hormones in the extracted samples from compost or co-compost was confirmed using the relative fluidity, (Rf) values of the co-chromatography using a standard hormone and the extracted plant growth hormones. The results indicated the presence of plant growth substances such as IAA, GA3 and cytokinins. In co-compost, the concentration of hormone were found to be 68.3 to 345.1 mg kg-1, 61.9 to 185.8 mg kg-1 and 250.4 to 312.7 mg kg-1 for auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins, respectively. Whereas in compost 42.0 to 248.8 mg kg-1, 33.1 to 198.3 mg kg-1 and 10.1 to 200.2 mg kg-1 of auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins, respectively were found.Item Production and storage of N-enriched co-compost(Waste Management, 2009) Ofosu-Budu, G.K.; Adamtey, N.; Cofie, O.; Danso, S.K.A.; Dionys, F.Recovery of the organic fraction of municipals waste for peri-urban could contribute to the improvement of environmental sanitation and increase agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, municipal waster co-compost (Co) has how nitrogen. Therefore, this study investigated the type of form of inorganic N fertilizer of this N-enriched product under storage. To attain 30,000 mg kg-1(3%) N content, different amounts of urea or ammonium sulphate were applied in various forms (dry paste and liquid) to enrich Co. The production termed colizer was stored and its moisture, pH total nitrogen, NH4-N2N1-N1 and C/N ratio were monitored under ambient conditions for two years. In the first four months of storage, total N content of 50kg Co + 3.26kg, urea (CoUI) increased from 31.333 to 54,000 mg kg-1 and 50 kg Co +7.14kg (HH4)2 SO4 (CoASD) from 35.333 to 52,000 mg kg-1. At the end of two year of storage, the initial N content of CoUD and CoASD decreased by 4% and 24% respectively. Based on these results, is recommended that dry (NH4)2SO4 should be used in N enrichment of Co and that the comlizer should be stored in seated bags but not more than four months.