Assessing potential health effect of lead and mercury and the impact of illegal mining activities in the Bonsa river, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ghana
Date of Publication
1-1-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
9-8-2021 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Illegal Mining
Keywords
Illegal mining, metal pollution, heavy metal, turbidity, water pollution
Description
This study sought to ascertain and measure the actual impacts of illegal mining in the Bonsa River. Water samples were collected and tested for physiochemical and heavy metal pollution analysis. Physiochemical parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved liquids, total suspended solids, and dissolved oxygen. Heavy metal examined were lead and mercury. Physiochemical parameters revealed a turbidity and total suspended solids above the recommended WHO values. Lead and mercury were also considerably high in comparison to WHO and Ghana Environmental Protection Agency permissible values. This study concludes that the Bonsa River is not safe for consumption and recommends water purification measures before use.
Assessing potential health effect of lead and mercury and the impact of illegal mining activities in the Bonsa river, Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ghana
This study sought to ascertain and measure the actual impacts of illegal mining in the Bonsa River. Water samples were collected and tested for physiochemical and heavy metal pollution analysis. Physiochemical parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved liquids, total suspended solids, and dissolved oxygen. Heavy metal examined were lead and mercury. Physiochemical parameters revealed a turbidity and total suspended solids above the recommended WHO values. Lead and mercury were also considerably high in comparison to WHO and Ghana Environmental Protection Agency permissible values. This study concludes that the Bonsa River is not safe for consumption and recommends water purification measures before use.
