Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies

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Hypersaline lagoons as conservation habitats: Macro-invertebrates at Muni Lagoon, Ghana
(Biodiversity and Conservation, 2000-04) Gordon, C.
A survey on the aquatic ecology of Muni Lagoon was carried out during the period December 1993 to July 1994. Samples of zooplankton, aufwuchs and benthos were taken from a number of stations, representative of the different habitat types that occurred in the lagoon. The aquatic invertebrate fauna of the lagoon is listed and the temporal and spatial distribution of the fauna is described. The fauna is depauperate and biodiversity was related closely to the hydrology and salinity of the lagoon waters. During the early part of the study period, with dry weather conditions, there was very little macro-invertebrate life within the waters of the lagoon. The invertebrate fauna was confined to crabs, which occupied the fringing vegetation in the southernmost portions of the lagoon. With the onset of rains and the flooding of the lagoon, the sand bar separating the lagoon from the sea was opened turning the lagoon into a tidal system. This event brought a radical change to the fauna of the lagoon with very diverse marine zooplankton in some stations. Within weeks, worms and juvenile crabs were found several kilometers inland from the sea opening, an indication of the rapid re-colonisation of a previously hypersaline environment. The anthropogenic threats to the aquatic portion of this Ramsar site have been assessed and prioritised.
The macroinvertebrates of a polluted stream in Ghana
(Journal of Freshwater Ecology, 2000-06) Thorne, R.S.J.; Williams, W.P.; Gordon, C.
There is a limited understanding of the lotic macroinvertebrate fauna of West Africa, although many watercourses are heavily impacted. Macroinvertebrates were sampled from a stream running through Accra, the capital of Ghana, to provide information on the nature of these communities and their response to pollution. The physicochemical pollution gradient in the stream was reflected in the macroinvertebrate community, which showed a similar response to that observed in well studied temperate areas. Heavily polluted sites within the city supported a poor fauna and were dominated by tolerant taxa, such as the Chironomidae. The success of the macroinvertebrate fauna in revealing the pollution gradient and discriminating between sites suggest that there is potential for biological monitoring in such situations. © 2000, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Flood plains: critically threatened ecosystems
(Cambridge University Press, 2008) Tockner, K.; Bunn, S.E.; Gordon, C.; Naiman, R.J.; Quinn, G.P.; Stanford, J.A.
Riparian zones, river-marginal wetland environments and flood plains are key landscape elements with a high diversity of natural functions and services. They are dynamic systems that are shaped by repeated erosion and deposition of sediment, inundation during rising water levels, and complex groundwater–surface water exchange processes (Chapter 3). This dynamic nature makes flood plains among the most biologically productive and diverse ecosystems on earth ( Junk et al. 1989; Gregory et al. 1991; Naiman & De´camps 1997; Tockner & Stanford 2002; Naiman et al. 2005). Flood plains are also of great cultural and economic importance; most early civilizations arose in fertile flood plains and throughout history people have learned to cultivate and use their rich resources. Flood plains have also served as focal points for urban development and exploitation of their natural functions.
Bacteriological Quality and Possible Health Effects of Gravity-Piped Water in Hohoe District of Ghana
(Institute for Scientific and Technological Information Press, CSIR-Accra, Ghana, 2009) Koranteng, S.S.; Amoah, C.M.
A simple technology termed Gravity-Piped Water System (GPWS) has been used in the Hohoe District in the Volta Region of Ghana to provide drinking water without any disinfection treatment. Ten years after the establishment of the GPWS, there were complains about the incidence of diarrhoea diseases, colouration of water and sediment in some of the systems put in place to provide potable water. The paper reports on bacteriological quality and health implications of water at various points (source, reservoir, standpipe and individual homes) of four GPWS in four communities in the Hohoe District over two seasonal regimes for three consecutive years, 2005–2007. Conventional cultural methods, as specified by APHA (1995), were used to detect the resident faecal and total coliform bacteria. Biochemical methods, employing API 20E identification kit and serological tests, were used to confirm the presence of bacteria species and diarrhoeagenic agents, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain medical information. With the exception of the source at one of the communities, Nyagbo Israel, all points of the GPWS were heavily contaminated with Enterobacteria. Ten gram-negative non-sporing bacteria of possible health consequences belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from water samples at all points. The presence of diarrhoeagenic agents, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Salmonella and Shigella species were confirmed. All the systems showed a trend of reduction in parameters from source to tap, with no significant elevations in the homes. Enteric diseases peaked in rainy seasons (August-October). Medical reports support a strong link between diarrhoeal incidence and water used. The practical implications of the findings are discussed
Some perspectives of hosts and guests on coastal tourism development in two destinations in Ghana
(University of Ghana Press, 2009) Tweneboah, E.; Asiedu, B.A.
The coastal zone of Ghana has played a crucial role in attracting both local and international tourists over the years. The presence of a wide array of attractions, both natural and manmade and the over concentration of national infrastructural stock within the zone have greatly enhanced its attractiveness to tourists. On the flipside, however, a number of physical/environmental economic and socio-cultural concerns have emerged requiring proactive measures for overcoming any hiccups to the sustainable development of the industry. Based on insights drawn from interviewing hosts and guests and physical tests conducted on major environmental attributes within two coastal tourism destinations of Ada and Elmina some policy measures have been recommended to help ameliorate some of these emerging challenges. Specific recommendations include a greater role by national government in managing this sensitive coastal environment and more community involvement in the planning and management of coastal tourism.
Using the paired comparison methodology to assess environmental values in the coastal zone of Ghana
(Springer, 2010) Lawson, E.T.; Schluchter, W.; Gordon, C.
Like many developing countries, Ghana is grappling with environmental issues, such as the degradation of coastal natural resources. In an attempt to ameliorate the current state of affairs, broad institutional arrangements and policy interventions have been put in place. However coastal natural resources are still being overexploited and the effects of this are felt more strongly by certain groups (such as women and the rural poor) than others. This has led to the argument pointing to an urgent need to include local resource users as active participants in environmental decision making and to incorporate their environmental values in the management of coastal natural resources. Using empirical data from women in two Ghanaian coastal communities, this paper highlights the importance of exploring how the environmental attitudes and values of women might be considered in the management of local coastal natural resources. It assesses effectiveness of the paired comparison methodology in this respects and how this method can be also used to prioritise their environmental concerns. The results show that in both areas respondents place the greatest importance on the coastal natural resources as sources of wealth creation and of food, values which are often described as being “anthropocentric”. The paper thus argues that having discovered that the ecological value placed on natural resources is low, initiatives that could win the support of people would be those that link the livelihood and wellbeing to coastal NRM. It emphasizes the fact that conservation cannot exist outside of people and social systems; nor will it succeed unless they are linked to the welfare of resource users.
Inclusion of Ghanaian women in coastal natural resource management: The role of environmental attitudes and values
(VDM Verlag Dr. Müller e.K. Saarbrücken, 2010) Lawson, E.T.
Coastal natural resources provide many benefits, some of which are economic and cultural benefits. Unfortunately they are often overexploited resulting in a loss and degradation in natural resources. The study reported in this book highlights the environmental attitudes and values of a very important group of stakeholders – women and the significance taking these into consideration in the management of local coastal natural resources. It investigates poverty-coastal natural resource linkages and how this knowledge can be used to improve Natural Resource Management in Ghana. It also examines the feasibility of using the paired comparison method as an alternative methodology in assessing environmental values in a developing country setting. The questions that guide the direction of this book are: · How women construct and perceive poverty in their community? · What are the linkages between poverty and natural resource use in coastal environments? · What kind of attitudes towards the current trends of natural resource degradation along the coast do women have? · What kind of environmental values do the respondents in the study areas have? · How do the environmental attitudes and values mean for coastal natural resource management in Ghana? · What are the existing institutional and legal frameworks with regards to coastal natural resource management in Ghana?
Impact of land use on river systems in Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012) Ayivor, J.S.; Gordon, C.
Rivers play significant roles in the provision of water for domestic and industrial purposes. Nevertheless, land use dynamics continue to impact on river catchments which have negative repercussions for river health. This study focuses on land use change in the Okyeman Traditional Area, which encompasses three major river basins namely, the Densu, the Birim and the Ayensu. The study was aimed at investigating causes and impacts of land use change within the three river catchments and how these impacts could be curtailed to safeguard river health and sustainable water supply. Data for the study was derived from analysis of remotely sensed Landsat 7 ETM satellite imagery, and from questionnaire administration. Additional information was culled from the existing literature on land use, land use change, land cover change and related subjects. One major finding was that most of the river basins have undergone massive transformation over the last three decades as a result of various land use activities. The dominant land use types in the basins presently are agriculture, urban development, grazing, residential and transportation and fishing. The study also revealed that mining, indiscriminate waste disposal, water extraction and deforestation for fuel wood and other domestic uses, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and land degradation due to improper agricultural practices are also major land use activities that impact negatively on the river systems. The study concluded that there is the need to streamline land use activities, conserve vital ecosystems like watershed areas and maintain buffers along stream channels as a matter of policy to ensure adequate protection of aquatic fauna and to ensure sustainable water supply.
Tool kits for the Sustainable Management of Ghana’s Riverine Biodiversity: an Overview
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012) Gordon, C.; Linstead, C.; Moss, B.; Ansa-Asare, O.; Annang, T.; Leah, R.; Kyerematen, R.; Owusu, E.H.; Maltby, E.; Bissaw, M.; Ampomah, B.
The Darwin Initiative funded project Tool kits for the Sustainable Management of Ghana’s Riverine Biodiversity was a collaboration between the Centre for African Wetlands at the University of Ghana, various units of the University of Ghana and the Ghana Wildlife Society. The project also involved collaborators from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin. The project aimed to address the impediments that remain for Ghana (and its neighbouring countries) in applying the Ecosystem Approach (EA) to riverine wetland management and the delivery of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). Priority needs were identified as taxonomic capacity building, a contemporary assessment of the status of aquatic biodiversity in Ghana, the development of practical management tools for rivers and increased engagement of stakeholders in decision-making together with an enhanced environmental awareness throughout Ghanaian society. These were addressed in this project by regional and local staff training, reporting on the current status of aquatic communities, the production of educational and taxonomic resources for a range of users, the development of a set of nested indicators of ecosystem health adapted for use at various levels, and the production of a policy document outlining the means of applying the EA in the management of Ghana’s rivers.
Water Quality Assessment of Densu, Birim and Ayensu
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012) Ansa-Asare, O.D.; Gordon, C.
The water quality assessment conducted in the Densu, Birim and Ayensu Basins of Ghana in the Okyeman area between August 2005 and June 2006 identified human and agricultural activities as the main sources of pollution. All the pH values for the rivers ranged from 6.5–8.5. The average turbidity levels in Densu Basin were higher than that of Ayensu and Birim basins. The low turbidity of Ayensu Basin is an indication of higher primary productivity. The conductivity levels in the river basins followed the order: Densu > Ayensu > Birim. The order is depended on the human activities in each basin. Ammonia-Nitrogen (NH -N) followed this order in terms of 3 mean levels in the river basins: Densu (0.356 mg/l) > Birim (0.267 mg/l) > Ayensu (0.161 mg/l). The 2005 NH -N 3 levels were lower than that of the 2006. This was a reflection of the impact of increased human and agricultural activities in the year 2006. Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO -N). The basin had a mean NO -N concentration of 1.89 mg/l 3 3 for Densu, 2.55 mg/l for Birim and 2.63 mg/l for Ayensu with ranges of 0.01–3.96 mg/l, 0.21–6.48 mg/l and 0.001–8.17 mg/l, respectively. All the mean nutrient values for Densu, Birim and Ayensu were not significantly different at 95% from each other (NH -N, p < 0.089; NO -N, p < 0.385; NO -N p < 0.203; PO -P p < 0.188.) Total 4 3 2 4 hardness and TDS also showed a similar pattern of Densu > Ayensu > Birim. This was as a result of more domestic activities impacting on Densu Basin compared with all other basins. The classification of the water quality index (WQI) system showed in 2005 that all the three basins were in class II, which was fairly good quality. The Ayensu basin was of best quality. The 2006 results indicated that all the stations fell under class III. This showed a deterioration of the state of the rivers in 2006. The WQI also confirmed the fact that Densu Basin was the most polluted compared to that of Birim and Ayensu.
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Road Deposited Dust at Ketu-South District, Ghana
(International Journal of Science and Technology, 2012) Addo, M.A.; Darko, E.O.; Gordon, C.; Nyarko, B.J.B.; Gbadago, J.K.
Increasing air pollution levels due to rapid urbanization and growth in vehicular emission have become a major source of concern. As a result, research on air pollution in urban environments has largely focused on road deposited dust. In the present study, road deposited dust samples collected from the Ketu-South District, Volta Region in Ghana were analyzed for heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) using energy dispersive XRF. The ranges of metal concentration were: 0.4-18.2 μg/g for As; 284-9106 μg/g for Cr; 18.4-144.1 μg/g for Cu; 233-1240 μg/g for Mn; 12.3-493.2 for Ni; 3.1-67.8 μg/g for Pb; and 18.2-406.5 μg/g for Zn. The highest level of metal contamination was found in the only roadway of an industrial area (cement factory). The lowest contaminated site was noted in a roadway which runs through a host of rural communities. Inter-cities comparison with previous data established that Cr levels in the present study was very high while Pb was very low compared to other cities. Metal contamination assessment status of the metals was made using mathematical models in terms of enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index and contamination factor. All the models agreed that contamination levels is in increasing order of Mn>Ni>Cu>Pb>Zn>As>Cr.
Evaluation of Heavy Metals Contamination of Soil and Vegetation in the Vicinity of a Cement Factory in the Volta Region, Ghana
(International Journal of Science and Technology, 2012) Addo, M.A.; Darko, E.O.; Gordon, C.; Nyarko, B.J.B.; Gbadago, J.K.; Nyarko, E.; Affum, H.A.; Botwe, B.O.
Heavy metal mobilization in the biosphere by human activities has become an important process in the geochemical recycling of these metals. In this work, 34 soil samples and 29 Tephrosia elegans plants collected in the vicinity of the Diamond Cement Factory, Aflao, Ghana were analyzed for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn using energy dispersive XRF. The results of the metal analysis indicated that some metallic levels were in excess of natural background and critical limits for the soil and plants respectively. The results further revealed that the metal distribution were in a fluctuating manner considering various distances and directions from the cement facility. However, it was observed that the mean metal concentrations of the soil and plants decrease as distance from the cement facility increased for most metals. This indicated that the facility which is the only industrial source in the area is the major cause of the pollutants contamination in its vicinity. In an attempt to understand the pattern of metal contamination in the area, useful tools including enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index and pollution load index were employed to indicate the sources of soil contamination were anthropogenic in character. Recommendations for the need for other studies on environmental and human health around the cement and similar facilities to protect human life and the environment are suggested.
Watershed disturbance and its potential effects on river systems in the Okyeman traditional area of Ghana: The case of Atewa Range Forest Reserve
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012) Ayivor, J.S.; Gordon, C.
The Atewa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region of Ghana is a very important watershed which serves three important river systems-the Densu, Ayensu and Birim, all in southern Ghana. Widespread degradation of the forest reserve as a result of rampant anthropogenic activities threatens the long-term sustainability of these water bodies. The study examined local dependence on products from the forest reserve and its effects on the watershed with the view to highlighting the magnitude of the exploitation in order to inform policy makers and planners on the need to protect this strategic watershed. Data for the study was collected through literature search and questionnaire administration of seven communities involving 76 respondents within the vicinity of the reserve. The findings revealed that not only do the local people exploit the Atewa Range Forest Reserve products like timber, fuel wood and bushmeat for home consumption but they also trade in these products. Incomes derived from the sale of forest products in the seven communities within a year was estimated at US$ 84,014.22 which is very significant. The findings also revealed that a major reason for the high local dependence on the reserve is the demand pressure not only from the neighbouring communities but the travelling public who patronize the forest product from hawkers by the roadside. The study concluded by reiterating the strategic importance of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve as a watershed, and suggested the need for all concerned to protect it against all forms of disturbance.
Aquatic Insect Fauna of Three River Systems in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area of The Eastern Region of Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012) Kyerematen, R.; Gordon, C.
Three river systems in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area: Ayensu, Birim and Densu were sampled over a period of one year during the wet, dry and intermediate seasons for aquatic insect fauna. Fifteen sampling sites were chosen based on certain parameters such as accessibility as well as the inclusion of high and low impact sites (i.e. close to or far from a town or village) or near areas with high human activity. Four sampling methods were employed: sweeping, core sampling, sieving and washing of stones, wood fragments and submerged objects as well as aquatic plants and leaves. Fifty seven (57) species of aquatic insects belonging to 26 families of 7 orders were recorded. Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera and Odonata were the most diverse and abundant orders with Hemiptera being the most diverse order with 17 species from 8 families. The most abundant species was Rhagovelia obesa (Hemiptera: Veliidae). The highest number of insects was collected in December whiles July recorded the lowest numbers. River Densu recorded the highest number of insects whiles River Birim recorded the highest diversity of insects with 36 species. River Ayensu had both the lowest numbers and diversity of insects.
Preliminary studies on the occurrence of freshwater epipelic algae in the Densu basin in Southern Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012) Annang, T.Y.; Yirenya-Tawiah, R.D.; Clerk, G.C.
The occurrence and composition of the freshwater algae in the epipelon were determined at three sites, namely Machigeni, Manhean and Weija, located in the coastal savanna thicket and grassland vegetation zone of the River Densu basin in southern Ghana. Samples of sediments from the water-substratum interface were taken at fortnightly intervals over 2 months at Machigeni, Manhean and Weija, in January 2008 and March 2008, and studied. The epipelic flora of River Densu exhibits high diversity, with the richest flora in Machigeni, followed by Manhean and Weija in that order. A total of 38 algal genera were identified over the period, with the Bacillariophyceae dominating with 19 genera followed by the Chlorophyta and the Cyanophyta with 13 and 6 genera, respectively. Fragilaria, Melosira and Rhizosolenia were the most abundant Bacillariophyta genera encountered. The Chlorophyta had Closterium, Pediastrum and Spirogyra, as the dominant genera. Anacystis and Oscillatoria had the highest number of cells among the Cyanophyta genera sampled.
The Dynamics of Poverty-Environment Linkages in the Coastal Zone of Ghana
(Elsevier Ltd, 2012) Lawson, E.T.; Gordon, C.; Schluchter, W.
With a high dependence on natural resources and increasing environmental degradation as a result of climatic and non-climatic factors, poverty remains a critical socioeconomic issue in the coastal zone of Ghana. Coastal poverty is closely related to the nature and complexity of coastal ecosystems and often varies from poverty in other areas. This paper contends that adequately responding to the environmental and socioeconomic issues in the coastal zone requires assisting the poor cope with changes on the coast. In doing this it is important to appreciate how poverty is defined especially by the resource users themselves as well as the nature of the poverty–environment interactions. With women being highly dependent on coastal natural resources this paper draws on the experiences of 304 women from two communities to investigate coastal people's perception of poverty. It presents empirical evidence of poverty–environment linkages and examines implications of these linkages for the effective management of Ghana's coastal natural resources. The results show that respondents describe poverty through diversity of measures rather than solely as an absence of money. In addition their livelihood patterns revolve around the availability of some coastal natural resources. Since there is no national policy for the management of the coastal natural resources the paper concludes by recommending the development of a comprehensive Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan that incorporates the priorities and needs of local resource users, alleviates poverty whilst increasing awareness of resource users of more appropriate mechanisms for managing coastal resources.
A check-list of some elements of the vegetation in three river basins in the Okyeman area, Southern Ghana
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012-01) Annang, T.Y.
The composition of some elements of the aquatic flora was determined in three river basins namely Ayensu, Birim and Densu, in the Okyeman area in Southern Ghana. Samples of these vegetation types, namely bryophytes, podostemonads and rhodophytes, in the three river basins were taken at 16 sites as follows: 4 sampling sites from the Ayensu basin, 7 sampling sites within the Birim and 5 sites were sampled in the Densu basin. Two species of rhodophytes were identified inconclusively. However no bryophyte species and podostemonads were encountered due to stated factors. Issues concerning detailed update of these members of the aquatic flora in Ghana are discussed.
Community-based integrated natural resource management in Okyeman traditional area of the Eastern region, Ghana: Socio-economic profile of the Okyeman traditional area
(West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012-01) Ayivor, J.S.; Ekpe, E.
The Akyem Abuakwa State, otherwise referred to as the Okyeman traditional area, in historic times, struggled against dominant groups like the Ashantis to gain self recognition. In present times, the state has remained resolute and constitutes a strong and influential traditional authority in Ghana. The Okyeman traditional area is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It is endowed with rich natural resources including forest, mineral and water resources. In a survey to examine the socio-economic profile of the area and how traditional practices and taboos affect natural resource use, 426 respondents from 33 communities were randomly sampled and interviewed through questionnaire administration. The results of the analysis indicated that about 72% of the population was engaged in farming. The results also showed that traditional practices and taboos had played significant roles in natural resource management in the past, but being abandoned presently because of divergent beliefs. It was further revealed that rapid population growth from the 1960s to date and its associated production pressures was a major underlying factor in resource exploitation in the area. The activities of small-scale miners in particular were observed to be the major source of stream pollution and flow regime disturbance. The hitherto rich biodiversity of the area is at risk of being eroded if urgent steps are not taken to stop illegal activities in surrounding forest reserves. The study recommended the provision of alternative livelihood opportunities to the farming population to safeguard the rich forest resources and water bodies from further degradation.
"If in doubt, count": The role of community-driven enumerations in blocking eviction in Old Fadama, Accra
(Environment and Urbanization, 2012-04) Farouk, B.R.; Owusu, M.
This paper describes the community-driven enumerations undertaken in Old Fadama, the largest informal settlement in Accra, which has long been threatened with eviction. After meeting with members of shack dweller federations from other nations, residents formed the Ghana Homeless People's Federation in 2003 (now known as the Ghana Federation of the Urban Poor (GHAFUP). Together with the NGO People's Dialogue on Human Settlements, they supported the first community-driven enumeration in Old Fadama in 2004 to counter the threat of eviction, by showing the large scale of economic activities in the community and the gap in accurate population data. This was followed by further enumerations, in 2006-2007 and in 2009, to counter new eviction threats from new city governments. These enumerations increased the residents' confidence, empowering them in terms of engagement with city government. They also changed government's perspective on informal settlements and helped shape policy away from forced evictions towards participatory relocations or rehabilitation. © 2012 International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
Development of an algorithm to predict coastal buoy temperature from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)
(International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS), 2012-07) Williams, I.K.; Ashitey Armaah, R.; Powell, J.; Hayden, K.
Elizabeth City State University currently operates a TeraScan Grounding station capable of receiving and processing imagery data collected by satellites managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The imagery received in the Infrared spectrum both measures sea surface temperatures and cloud cover for the eastern coast of North Carolina. Once the data sets were collected, they were statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance methodology and regression. Strong correlations were observed during the AVHRR-Buoy comparison for two of the three areas under the study. The NOAA-16 AVHRR SST emerged as the most consistent with the insitu data from the ORIN7 Buoy. This was due to its high coefficient of determination. © 2012 IEEE.

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