Effects of small scale gold mining on water quality: a case study of new Abirem mining area in Ghana.
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Date
2018-11
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KNUST
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study looked at the effects of small scale mining on the quality of water within the New
Abirim mining area in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Surface water and ground water samples
were collected monthly from October 2013 to March 2014 at five different sampling sites within
the study area. Levels of selected metals namely Mercury (Hg), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Arsenic
(As) were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Concentrations of sulphates
chlorides and phosphates in addition to other physico-chemical properties were determined using
World Health Organization (WHO) standard methods. Results obtained showed variations in the
parameters investigated in the surface and groundwater samples. Surface water samples recorded
high concentrations of parameters investigated than the ground water samples. Moreover, Iron
(Fe) concentrations were noted to be high hence above WHO permissible limit for drinking
water in both surface and ground water samples. Mercury levels in surface water exceeded the
WHO permissible limit for drinking water quality guidelines. Lead (Pb) with a value of 0.005
mg/l and Arsenic (As) 0.02 μg/l were within the WHO permissible limit of 0.01 mg/l and 10
μg/l for drinking water quality guidelines. The results of the research indicated that, small scale
gold mining activities negatively affected water quality and its resources especially on surface
waters.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE)