Trace-elements exposure levels in artisanal "galamsey" mines in wassa-west district, ghana

Abstract

In order to assess trace-elements exposure levels in artisanal mines within the Wassa-West District of Ghana, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) method was used to analyse fingernails of some miners. Mean concentrations were recorded for four trace-elements, namely mercury (Hg): 8.14 :μ/g, gold (Au): 1.09 :μ/g, Arsenic (As): 5.53 :μ/g and antimony (Sb): 0.60 :μ/g. These concentration levels and their health implications for the miners, as well as the environment impact of artisanal mining activities and some remedial mitigation actions were analysed. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012.