The concentrations of eight trace elements, Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg) and arsenic(As) in sediment and water were assessed in four artisanal and small-scale mining(ASM) localities in the Amansie West District (6°282 N 1°532 W) of Ghana along two river courses from May 2011 to July 2011. Triplicate water and sediment samples were randomly taken at five different points at each of the localities and the elements determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS ). Using the Geoaccumulation Index( I geo ) assessment, the sediments were found to be polluted to different degrees with Cu (Uncontaminated to moderately contaminated/Moderately contaminated), Hg (Uncontaminated to moderately contaminated/Moderately contaminated) and As (Moderately contaminated/Moderately to strongly contaminated). The Enrichment Factor (EF) indicated human influence -artisanal mining activities on the sediment concentration of Cd and Pb for all the localities and only some of the localities for the rest of the trace elements. The elements are major sediment pollutants ( EF > 2) in one or more of the localities. The I geo and EF gave diverse status of the sediment qualities of the localities. Cd, Pb, Hg and As water concentrations in the four artisanal mining localities were all found to be above the WHO maximum acceptable of levels for drinking water. Inhabitants in the mining localities face the risk of getting various diseases by drinking the waters contaminated with the trace elements.
The use of raw sludge spread on land as conditioner and fertilizer has been practised over the years in urban agriculture. However, this raw sludge (biosolids) is associated with a potential health risk as a result of the pathogenic microorganisms it contains. The study considered the dewatering of faecal sludge (FS) mixed with sawdust to produce biosolids that can be applied as manure for agricultural use. It assessed the bacterial and helminth egg qualities of the biosolids produced from FS-sawdust mixture. Bench-scale unplanted filter beds were used for dewatering of FS mixed with different percentages of sawdust. The sludge consisted of public toilet sludge and septage in the ratio of 1:3. An analysis of variance of the completely randomized design was undertaken and a P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The sawdust-FS mixture analysed after complete dewatering showed significant reduction in microbial (bacteria) content (P < 0.05) and helminth eggs, making the biosolids produced safe for farmers and the environment. The bulking agent improved the quality of the biosolids, with greatest pathogen removal observed in the 150% sawdust, whilst the least reduction was recorded in the 0% sawdust (control).
Purpose: Relic plant communities commonly referred as “sacred groves” in Ghana and comparatively anywhere are ecologically, genetically important resources indigenously protected as “abodes of gods or ancestral habitats” through traditional or religious beliefs and taboos. This study mainly evaluated the potentials of sacred groves for development as tourist sites at Tolon and Diare in the Northern Region of Ghana. Research methodology: Data was collected using semi structured interview questionnaire aided by vegetation survey, observational field walk through the Jaagbo and Tindangung Sacred Groves to screen natural features of the destinations and determine its potential for ecotourism. Findings: Potential areas for visitor amateurism such as the wonderful baobab tree, crocodile pond, misty stone bird sanctuary, were identified in both groves. About 220 different species of plants were identified in the entire groves. The study further discovered that with effective management measures in place, the ecotourism potentials of these sacred groves will optimize if developed to attract visitors and generate income for sustainable socio-economic development of the adjoining communities in northern Ghana. Limitations: Although the target population was above 200 people, relatively small sample size (≤ 36%), could be chosen since the opinion leaders considered the groves as sacred and were less prepared to divulge information about them. Islam and Christianity rather counteracted certain beliefs of the traditional people who adopted local measures to enhance sustainability of these sites for ecotourism functions. Contribution: The study advocates the adoption of bylaws to promote sustainable management of the sacred groves for sustainable benefits. Keywords: Jaagbo, Tindangung, Sacred grove, Crocodile pond, Bird sanctuary, Traditional bylaws, Land use plan
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