Pesticide and Nutrient Loads of Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Pollution of Lake Bosomtwe is a major concern in Ghana due to its derived socio-economic benefits such as employment, ecotourism and major protein source to the people in the basin. Besides these benefits, the lake water is used for domestic purposes and has since served as the drinking water source to the people. However, the use of agrochemicals within the basin has intensified within the last decade. The problems associated with fertilizer and pesticide use in the Bosomtwe basin seem to carry with it a higher price, which, if not identified and checked, will overshadow the desired benefits of the lake. This study assesses pesticide and nutrient loads of Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Fifty-four (54) lake water samples were collected from September 2016 to February 2017. Pesticide samples were extracted using the solid phase extraction method and GCMS to identify the pesticides present in the water samples and determine their loads. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Product Service Solutions (SPSS version 20) for descriptive statistics. The concentration of dichlorvos was a bit lower when compared with the WHO/USEPA guidelines of 5 ppb for surface water. Diazinon had a mean concentration of 0.28 ± 0.03 ppb which was higher than the WHO 0.05 ppb and USEPA 0.04 ppb for surface water bodies. The detection of diazinon confirms the findings from the field survey, which revealed that diazinon, is an active ingredient of a pesticide with a trade name “Akate suro”, which was extensively used by cocoa farmers along the banks of the lake. The mean concentration recorded for nitrate and phosphate were 0.15 ± 0.05 mg/L and 0.40 ± 0.12 mg/L respectively. The pesticides application inventory and implications of pesticide and nutrient loads on the lake are discussed in the paper.

Occupational Health Hazards among Large-Scale Gold Mineworkers in Ghana

Introduction: The mining industry ranks among the most hazardous occupations globally owing to the high prevalence of workplace accidents. To better protect workers in the industry, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of risk factors, common illnesses and provision of PPE. Objective: This study examined the prevalence and underlying risk factors to work-related injuries, common illnesses, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage among mineworkers in two large-scale mining companies in Ghana that consented to participation. Methodology: Two hundred mineworkers were selected through stratified sampling in these companies using a semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were employed to determine the relationship between the incidence of occupational injury and selected risk factors using R studio. Results: The results showed that more than a tenth (16%;n = 31) of mineworkers had sustained physical injuries since being employed—mostly lacerations (53%). Out of those injured, (85%;n = 22) reportedly sustain an injury annually. A little more than half (57%;n = 112) of the mineworkers work for more than 40 hours per week. Injuries were significantly associated with the type of profession at the mine (p = 0.04;χ2 = 4.3)—Technicians and Mechanics were more likely to be injured. Although not statistically significant, working for more than 40 hours/week doubled the odds of being injured at the workplace (aOR = 1.77;95% CI: -0.27 - 1.48). The topmost illnesses among mineworkers were musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) [53%] and headaches (35%). About two-thirds (65%) had all the needed PPEs for their work. Safety goggles were the predominant PPE reportedly lacking among the mineworkers (16%;n = 31). Conclusion: There is a need for targeted training/intervention programmes and adoption of assistive ergonomic devices to protect mineworkers.