ohene Apea - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by ohene Apea
신진연구 외상 후 스트레스 장애 탈북자 면역기능 떨어져
통일한국, Feb 1, 2011
Referee report. For: Optimization of extraction conditions for polyphenols from the stem bark of Funtumia elastica (Funtum) utilizing response surface methodology [version 1; peer review: 1 approved]
Chemical Characterization of Mining-Impacted Terrestrial Environments of Selected Ecosystems in Ghana
The research focused on determining whether land modification by anthropogenic activity affect me... more The research focused on determining whether land modification by anthropogenic activity affect metal distribution and mobility. Topographical studies indicated t hat trace metals are carried into the White Volta. Trace metal concentrations in the soils varied in the order Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd. Organic matter in the tailings vary linearly with the age of tailings, and trace met al concentration in Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd. ECEC and pH of the terrestrial environment are high around the community and low within the community. Organic matter was observed to have high values at abandoned extraction sites and farm lands. There were more metal bound humic substances in the solution phase (81.16%) than the solid phase of the soil (18.84%), and more humic mat ter occur in the solution phase (Accra, 78.38%; Kejetia, 85.26%; Tarkwa, 81.16%) than in the solid phase (Accra, 21.62%; Kejetia, 14.74%; Tarkwa, 19.83%) of the soil. Inorganic sorption sites in the solution phase al so ...
Application of Nanotechnology and Chemical Modeling in Health Delivery: Assessment of Fiber-Influenced Nutrient Absorption Model
This research focused on in-vitro studies of the effect of edible fibers of Phaseolus vulgaris an... more This research focused on in-vitro studies of the effect of edible fibers of Phaseolus vulgaris and Citrus sinensis on metal nutrient absorption during digestion in humans. The assessment was initiated by simulating the digestive system. The system was a solid-solution system containing Cu, chyme, buffer (pH 2.07), and fiber maintained at 310.5 K. By varying time of interaction, chyme volume, the masses of fiber, Zn and Cu independently using batch experiments, the effect of the individual variables on Cu availability was determined. The results revealed that, edible fibers influence metal nutrient availability during digestion in humans in-vitro. In addition, soluble organic compounds participate in the reduction of metal nutrient availability. Nutrient-nutrient competition was observed to occur in the system and leads to the reduction in the availability of one nutrient relative to another. The results suggested that the hypothesis and chemical interaction models developed by Apea ...
ELECTROLYTE-MODIFIED PARTITION OF Cu IN A TERNARY SYSTEM CONTAINING HUMIC ACID
The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partition... more The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partitioning behavior in terrestrial environments. The effect of background electrolyte on the partitioning of Cu under humic conditions in soil-solution system was investigated and it was observed that increasing background electrolyte pushes humic acid (HA) aggregation through stages of thermodynamic non-spontaneous phase to an equilibrium phase and finally to a spontaneous aggregation stage. At pH 4.7 HA adsorption other than aggregation influences Cu distribution. And at pH 10 both HA adsorption and aggregation are responsible. It was noted that, the effect of background electrolyte concentration on Cu distribution is as a result of its ability to induce ligand aggregation, reduce metal – ligand complexation, and initiate competition of electrolyte cation (K+) with the Cu for sorption sites in the soil. Modeling studies revealed that, metal adsorption and HA aggregation factors account for th...
Chemical Extraction of Humic Substances Using Natural Resins
Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural mat... more Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural materials hold the potential to generate income for any nation. The study tested the potential and efficiency of crude resins from indigenous plants in the extraction of humic substances from soil. The points of zero charge of crude resins from five plants (Anarcadiumoccidentale, Bowswellia sacra, magniferaindica, Euphorbia tiricalli, and Haveabraziliensis) were determined using potentiometric method (batch titration method). Batch experiments of resin (solid) – solution system was used to extract the humic substances. The results revealed that with the exception of Bowswellia sacra, resins from the other plants have the potential to extract humic acid and fulvic acid. Adsorption efficiency studies indicated that the plant resin with the highest efficiency of extraction (83.88%) for humic acid is Euphorbia tiricalli. And for fulvic acid the highest efficiency (77.29%) is Anarcadiumoccidenta...
Research Methods With Statistics
The books discusses research methods in detail. The resesarch process has been explained in a ver... more The books discusses research methods in detail. The resesarch process has been explained in a very simple ways as to make it understandable by undergraduates. A brief treatment of relevant statistical models have been included to help an upcoming research scientist apprecciate the application of statistics to research. It is a must read book which can be used by lectureres and students.
Kinetics and Cooling Temperature Effect of the Transfer of Soluble Organic Compounds from Heat-Modified Polystyrene Into Saliva and Sweat
In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification ... more In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification with heat. Heat-modified polystyrene obtained by cooling the polymer melt at 285K, 303 K, 313K, 353K, 373K and 423K, were subjected to analysis to determine their ability to transfer some of their organic composition into saliva and sweat. The extents of material transfer and kinetics of the transfer process were determined. The research revealed that polystyrene waste can be recycled by heat application into useful products. And the products can transfer some of its material (organic) composition into saliva and sweat at 37 oC. It was observed that more materials are transferred into saliva than in sweat, and at equilibrium, the difference in the amount of materials transferred is 13.16%. Bio-dissolved compounds from the heat-modified polystyrene in the body fluids increased with increase in cooling temperature. In addition, the transfer of materials from the heat-modified polymer into ...
Environmental Characteristics as a Function of Trace Metal Distribution in a Perturbed Terrestrial Environment
The article focuses on the inter-relationship between metal distribution and characteristics of t... more The article focuses on the inter-relationship between metal distribution and characteristics of the environment in the presence of humic substances. It was observed that m ore than 81% of the total amounts of humic substances in the terrestrial environment are in solution phase. More t han half of the trace metals exist in association with hum ic acids, metal partition constants (K dm ) << 1.0 for all metals studied. Transfer of metals from so lid phase to solution phase of the terrestrial environment is more thermodynamically feasible than the reverse case. Solution phase pH, available sorption sites in the environment, and available sorpti on sites on oxide and humic matter surface for trace metals have 71.88, 65.10, 70.73, 59.02, and 69.73% cumulative effect on Co, Cu, Ni, Pb an d Zn distributions respectively. Cumulative effect of minor characteristics ac counts for 40.98% of the total effect of the characteristics of the environment on the distribution of the metals. T he...
Assessment of the quality of water resources in the Upper East Region, Ghana: a review
Sustainable Water Resources Management, 2020
Water is an indispensable resource for human health and social well-being. However, the quality o... more Water is an indispensable resource for human health and social well-being. However, the quality of this critical resource is being threatened by both natural and anthropogenic sources. Surface and groundwater resources in the Upper East Region of Ghana are poorly managed and monitored. The water resources in this part of Ghana are contaminated with coliforms, toxic trace metals, and agrochemicals. Most of the parameters for drinking water quality are seriously being violated in various parts of the region. The major sources of surface water and groundwater pollution in the region are the dissolution of minerals, the widespread application of agrochemicals on farms, biological contamination resulting from human and animal fecal matter due to open defecation and mining activities. These have resulted in diverse health-related problems in the region since the contaminated water sources are the only drinking water supplies for rural folks. Fluoride contamination of the groundwater resources is also a major problem in the region, especially in the Bongo District and the Bolgatanga Municipality, which has resulted in cases of dental fluorosis in these parts of the region. There exists no comprehensive review on the water quality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Therefore, this review is aimed at discussing the quality of the water resources in the region from previously published works in various parts of the region. The review highlights the major pollutants, pollution sources, and the associated health problems. Recommendations have been offered based on the findings to serve as a framework for policy-making in regard to the water resources in the region.
Red sorghum leaf as a novel cheaper natural indicator: Solvent effects on functionality and proposed acid-base mechanisms
Synthetic indicators are considered costly and unfriendly to users and to the environment. Severa... more Synthetic indicators are considered costly and unfriendly to users and to the environment. Several solvents have been used for extraction and preparation of synthetic and natural indicators. These solvents have been considered toxic and can be very expensive. We have initiated a program aimed at using Sorghum bicolor red leaf extract as a natural indicator and determining the effectiveness of certain solvents in releasing the active ingredient responsible for the color change. Several mechanisms have also been reported or proposed for some natural and synthetic indicators used for simple acid-base titration. However, little is known about this natural indicator. For this present study, the natural indicator was extracted using three different organic solvents and distilled water (which is a non-toxic, universal solvent). The four solvent extracts were tested under different temperature conditions, acid-base strengths and molar strength capacities. The results indicated that all four...
Antidiabetic Activity of Pawpaw Leaf Extract: Chemical Composition and Biokinetic Modeling
The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of dry pawpaw leaf was investigated using albino r... more The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of dry pawpaw leaf was investigated using albino rats weighing between 141.7-257.0g. The extract tested positive for the presence of saponin glycosides, condensed tannins, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides containing rhamnose, cymarose, and digitose sugars. Diabetic condition was induced in the rats by injecting 20mg of alloxan per 100g of body weight. The Diabetic condition was considered to have developed on the third day. Treatment of the alloxanised rats with dry pawpaw leaf extract brought down the fasting blood glucose level to 56.13%, indicating that the aqueous extract contain hypoglycemic agent. And it was predicted using a fitted linear model that within 5 days of treatment the blood sugar will return to normal. A strong relationship was noted to exist between blood sugar, and time of administration of the aqueous extract of dry pawpaw leaves. A linear model is the best fit for blood sugar and time of administration. The bioki...
ELECTROLYTE-MODIFIED PARTITION OF Cu IN A TERNARY SYSTEM CONTAINING HUMIC ACID
The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partition... more The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partitioning behavior in terrestrial environments. The effect of background electrolyte on the partitioning of Cu under humic conditions in soil-solution system was investigated and it was observed that increasing background electrolyte pushes humic acid (HA) aggregation through stages of thermodynamic non-spontaneous phase to an equilibrium phase and finally to a spontaneous aggregation stage. At pH 4.7 HA adsorption other than aggregation influences Cu distribution. And at pH 10 both HA adsorption and aggregation are responsible. It was noted that, the effect of background electrolyte concentration on Cu distribution is as a result of its ability to induce ligand aggregation, reduce metal – ligand complexation, and initiate competition of electrolyte cation (K+) with the Cu for sorption sites in the soil. Modeling studies revealed that, metal adsorption and HA aggregation factors account for th...
Kinetics and Cooling Temperature Effect of the Transfer of Soluble Organic Compounds from Heat-Modified Polystyrene Into Saliva and Sweat
In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification ... more In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification with heat. Heat-modified polystyrene obtained by cooling the polymer melt at 285K, 303 K, 313K, 353K, 373K and 423K, were subjected to analysis to determine their ability to transfer some of their organic composition into saliva and sweat. The extents of material transfer and kinetics of the transfer process were determined. The research revealed that polystyrene waste can be recycled by heat application into useful products. And the products can transfer some of its material (organic) composition into saliva and sweat at 37 o C. It was observed that more materials are transferred into saliva than in sweat, and at equilibrium, the difference in the amount of materials transferred is 13.16%. Bio-dissolved compounds from the heat-modified polystyrene in the body fluids increased with increase in cooling temperature. In addition, the transfer of materials from the heat-modified polymer into...
Chemical Extraction of Humic Substances Using Natural Resins
Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural mat... more Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural materials hold the potential to generate income for any nation. The study tested the potential and efficiency of crude resins from indigenous plants in the extraction of humic substances from soil. The points of zero charge of crude resins from five plants (Anarcadium occidentale, Bowswellia sacra, magnifera indica, Euphorbia tiricalli, and Havea braziliensis) were determined using potentiometric method (batch titration method). Batch experiments of resin (solid) – solution system was used to extract the humic substances. The results revealed that with the exception of Bowswellia sacra, resins from the other plants have the potential to extract humic acid and fulvic acid. Adsorption efficiency studies indicated that the plant resin with the highest efficiency of extraction (83.88%) for humic acid is Euphorbia tiricalli. And for fulvic acid the highest efficiency (77.29%) is Anarcadium occid...
Trace elements distributions at Datoko-Shega artisanal mining site, northern Ghana
Environmental geochemistry and health, Jan 24, 2015
Environmental geochemistry classifies elements into essential, non-essential and toxic elements i... more Environmental geochemistry classifies elements into essential, non-essential and toxic elements in relationship to human health. To assess the environmental impact of mining at Datoko-Shega area, the distributions and concentrations of trace elements in stream sediments and soil samples were carried out. X-ray fluorescence analytical technique was used to measure the major and trace element concentrations in sediments and modified fire assay absorption spectrometry in soils. The results showed general depletion of major elements except titanium oxide (TiO2) compared to the average crustal concentrations. The retention of TiO2 at the near surface environment probably was due to the intense tropical weathering accompanied by the removal of fine sediments and soil fractions during the harmattan season by the dry north-east trade winds and sheet wash deposits formed after flash floods. The results also showed extreme contamination of selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), plus st...
This study assessed the major and selected trace elements i.e., vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), coba... more This study assessed the major and selected trace elements i.e., vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr), zirconium (Zr), barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), yttrium (Y) concentrations in soils sampled from the B-horizon from selected communities in the Upper East region of Ghana. The area which is mostly underlain by granitoids, is characterized by extensive agricultural activities, soil erosion, land degradation and artisanal mining at places. The objectives were to determine the sources of these elements, and to evaluate the levels of trace element enrichments, pollution and potential risks in the area. The concentration values of the elements in the soils were compared to their respective background reference values to establish possible enrichments and pollution. The relative enrichments of the trace elements were evaluated using Enrichment Factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (I geo ), while Pollution Load Index (PLI) was used to compare enrichments within the east and west zones of the study area. The results show that while the major elements reflect the bedrock compositions, the trace elements were derived from both natural sources such as weathering of underlying bedrocks, and anthropogenic sources such as mining and other land use activities. Elements such as Cr, Zn, As, Pb, Sn, Sr, Zr, Ba and Y were enriched by various degrees while V, Co, Ni, Cu and Ga were not. The results also show that the east side of the study area was relatively more polluted in trace elements than the west.
Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 2012
This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guine... more This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guinea corn leaves popularly called "waakye leaves" in Ghana. Four types of acid-base titration were studied: strong acid versus (v/s) strong base, strong acid versus weak base, weak acid versus strong base, and weak acid versus weak base. The indicator color change, pH range and the average titre values were determined for each type of acid-base titration. These values were comparable to those obtained from three standard indicators: methyl orange, methyl red and phenolphthalein. Total flavonoids (TF) and condensed tannin (CT) from the crude leaves extract were determined which might be the major reasons for the activity of the extract as an indicator for simple acid-base titration. The authors suggest that the natural indicator is cheap, available, simple to extract, user and environmentally friendly and could be an excellent replacement for standard indicators.
American Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 2011
The prediction of pre-mining water quality from non-weathered sulphide ores using the Acid-Base a... more The prediction of pre-mining water quality from non-weathered sulphide ores using the Acid-Base accounting (ABA) procedure was studied at the Anglogold-Ashanti, Obuasi mine and located on the Ashanti metallogenic belt in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to establish database for use during preliminary mining project evaluation, mining project permitting, and tailings waste management planning and implementation. Total Sulphur (TS) was determined by hightemperature furnace combustion using the LECO sulphur analyzer, while carbonate was determined by gravimetric method. Average TS % and Neutralization Potential (NP) due to calcium carbonate were 1.46% and 4.34 kg CaCO 3 /ton respectively. The average TS% multiplied by the constant 31.25 yielded Maximum Potential Acidity (MPA) value of 45.63 kg CaCO 3 /ton. Also, Net Neutralization Potential (NNP), defined by NNP=NP-MPA, yielded the value-41.29 kg CaCO 3 /ton and NP: MPA ratio of 0.095. Multiple regression statistics on NP and MPA gave Rsquare value as 0.0005 and indicated a poor predictive neutralization model. From the NNP and NP: MPA values, it was concluded that the non-weathered sulphide ores at the Anglogold-Ashanti, Obuasi mine are likely to generate high acidic waters. Adequate alkaline amendment is therefore required during ore treatment.
Effect of Humic Acid on the Kinetics and Mechanism of Copper Adsorption in Soil-Solution System
... Complexation of trace metals in Natural Waters, Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. Junk, W. The Hague, The ... more ... Complexation of trace metals in Natural Waters, Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. Junk, W. The Hague, The Netherlands, W., p. 301-316. 2. Cabaniss, SE, Shuman, MS, 1988. ... Radiochim acta Vol. 94, p. 429-434; DOI 10.1524/ract.2006/94.8.429. 9. Adekola, FA, Abdus-Salam, N., 2005. ...
신진연구 외상 후 스트레스 장애 탈북자 면역기능 떨어져
통일한국, Feb 1, 2011
Referee report. For: Optimization of extraction conditions for polyphenols from the stem bark of Funtumia elastica (Funtum) utilizing response surface methodology [version 1; peer review: 1 approved]
Chemical Characterization of Mining-Impacted Terrestrial Environments of Selected Ecosystems in Ghana
The research focused on determining whether land modification by anthropogenic activity affect me... more The research focused on determining whether land modification by anthropogenic activity affect metal distribution and mobility. Topographical studies indicated t hat trace metals are carried into the White Volta. Trace metal concentrations in the soils varied in the order Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd. Organic matter in the tailings vary linearly with the age of tailings, and trace met al concentration in Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd. ECEC and pH of the terrestrial environment are high around the community and low within the community. Organic matter was observed to have high values at abandoned extraction sites and farm lands. There were more metal bound humic substances in the solution phase (81.16%) than the solid phase of the soil (18.84%), and more humic mat ter occur in the solution phase (Accra, 78.38%; Kejetia, 85.26%; Tarkwa, 81.16%) than in the solid phase (Accra, 21.62%; Kejetia, 14.74%; Tarkwa, 19.83%) of the soil. Inorganic sorption sites in the solution phase al so ...
Application of Nanotechnology and Chemical Modeling in Health Delivery: Assessment of Fiber-Influenced Nutrient Absorption Model
This research focused on in-vitro studies of the effect of edible fibers of Phaseolus vulgaris an... more This research focused on in-vitro studies of the effect of edible fibers of Phaseolus vulgaris and Citrus sinensis on metal nutrient absorption during digestion in humans. The assessment was initiated by simulating the digestive system. The system was a solid-solution system containing Cu, chyme, buffer (pH 2.07), and fiber maintained at 310.5 K. By varying time of interaction, chyme volume, the masses of fiber, Zn and Cu independently using batch experiments, the effect of the individual variables on Cu availability was determined. The results revealed that, edible fibers influence metal nutrient availability during digestion in humans in-vitro. In addition, soluble organic compounds participate in the reduction of metal nutrient availability. Nutrient-nutrient competition was observed to occur in the system and leads to the reduction in the availability of one nutrient relative to another. The results suggested that the hypothesis and chemical interaction models developed by Apea ...
ELECTROLYTE-MODIFIED PARTITION OF Cu IN A TERNARY SYSTEM CONTAINING HUMIC ACID
The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partition... more The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partitioning behavior in terrestrial environments. The effect of background electrolyte on the partitioning of Cu under humic conditions in soil-solution system was investigated and it was observed that increasing background electrolyte pushes humic acid (HA) aggregation through stages of thermodynamic non-spontaneous phase to an equilibrium phase and finally to a spontaneous aggregation stage. At pH 4.7 HA adsorption other than aggregation influences Cu distribution. And at pH 10 both HA adsorption and aggregation are responsible. It was noted that, the effect of background electrolyte concentration on Cu distribution is as a result of its ability to induce ligand aggregation, reduce metal – ligand complexation, and initiate competition of electrolyte cation (K+) with the Cu for sorption sites in the soil. Modeling studies revealed that, metal adsorption and HA aggregation factors account for th...
Chemical Extraction of Humic Substances Using Natural Resins
Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural mat... more Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural materials hold the potential to generate income for any nation. The study tested the potential and efficiency of crude resins from indigenous plants in the extraction of humic substances from soil. The points of zero charge of crude resins from five plants (Anarcadiumoccidentale, Bowswellia sacra, magniferaindica, Euphorbia tiricalli, and Haveabraziliensis) were determined using potentiometric method (batch titration method). Batch experiments of resin (solid) – solution system was used to extract the humic substances. The results revealed that with the exception of Bowswellia sacra, resins from the other plants have the potential to extract humic acid and fulvic acid. Adsorption efficiency studies indicated that the plant resin with the highest efficiency of extraction (83.88%) for humic acid is Euphorbia tiricalli. And for fulvic acid the highest efficiency (77.29%) is Anarcadiumoccidenta...
Research Methods With Statistics
The books discusses research methods in detail. The resesarch process has been explained in a ver... more The books discusses research methods in detail. The resesarch process has been explained in a very simple ways as to make it understandable by undergraduates. A brief treatment of relevant statistical models have been included to help an upcoming research scientist apprecciate the application of statistics to research. It is a must read book which can be used by lectureres and students.
Kinetics and Cooling Temperature Effect of the Transfer of Soluble Organic Compounds from Heat-Modified Polystyrene Into Saliva and Sweat
In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification ... more In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification with heat. Heat-modified polystyrene obtained by cooling the polymer melt at 285K, 303 K, 313K, 353K, 373K and 423K, were subjected to analysis to determine their ability to transfer some of their organic composition into saliva and sweat. The extents of material transfer and kinetics of the transfer process were determined. The research revealed that polystyrene waste can be recycled by heat application into useful products. And the products can transfer some of its material (organic) composition into saliva and sweat at 37 oC. It was observed that more materials are transferred into saliva than in sweat, and at equilibrium, the difference in the amount of materials transferred is 13.16%. Bio-dissolved compounds from the heat-modified polystyrene in the body fluids increased with increase in cooling temperature. In addition, the transfer of materials from the heat-modified polymer into ...
Environmental Characteristics as a Function of Trace Metal Distribution in a Perturbed Terrestrial Environment
The article focuses on the inter-relationship between metal distribution and characteristics of t... more The article focuses on the inter-relationship between metal distribution and characteristics of the environment in the presence of humic substances. It was observed that m ore than 81% of the total amounts of humic substances in the terrestrial environment are in solution phase. More t han half of the trace metals exist in association with hum ic acids, metal partition constants (K dm ) << 1.0 for all metals studied. Transfer of metals from so lid phase to solution phase of the terrestrial environment is more thermodynamically feasible than the reverse case. Solution phase pH, available sorption sites in the environment, and available sorpti on sites on oxide and humic matter surface for trace metals have 71.88, 65.10, 70.73, 59.02, and 69.73% cumulative effect on Co, Cu, Ni, Pb an d Zn distributions respectively. Cumulative effect of minor characteristics ac counts for 40.98% of the total effect of the characteristics of the environment on the distribution of the metals. T he...
Assessment of the quality of water resources in the Upper East Region, Ghana: a review
Sustainable Water Resources Management, 2020
Water is an indispensable resource for human health and social well-being. However, the quality o... more Water is an indispensable resource for human health and social well-being. However, the quality of this critical resource is being threatened by both natural and anthropogenic sources. Surface and groundwater resources in the Upper East Region of Ghana are poorly managed and monitored. The water resources in this part of Ghana are contaminated with coliforms, toxic trace metals, and agrochemicals. Most of the parameters for drinking water quality are seriously being violated in various parts of the region. The major sources of surface water and groundwater pollution in the region are the dissolution of minerals, the widespread application of agrochemicals on farms, biological contamination resulting from human and animal fecal matter due to open defecation and mining activities. These have resulted in diverse health-related problems in the region since the contaminated water sources are the only drinking water supplies for rural folks. Fluoride contamination of the groundwater resources is also a major problem in the region, especially in the Bongo District and the Bolgatanga Municipality, which has resulted in cases of dental fluorosis in these parts of the region. There exists no comprehensive review on the water quality in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Therefore, this review is aimed at discussing the quality of the water resources in the region from previously published works in various parts of the region. The review highlights the major pollutants, pollution sources, and the associated health problems. Recommendations have been offered based on the findings to serve as a framework for policy-making in regard to the water resources in the region.
Red sorghum leaf as a novel cheaper natural indicator: Solvent effects on functionality and proposed acid-base mechanisms
Synthetic indicators are considered costly and unfriendly to users and to the environment. Severa... more Synthetic indicators are considered costly and unfriendly to users and to the environment. Several solvents have been used for extraction and preparation of synthetic and natural indicators. These solvents have been considered toxic and can be very expensive. We have initiated a program aimed at using Sorghum bicolor red leaf extract as a natural indicator and determining the effectiveness of certain solvents in releasing the active ingredient responsible for the color change. Several mechanisms have also been reported or proposed for some natural and synthetic indicators used for simple acid-base titration. However, little is known about this natural indicator. For this present study, the natural indicator was extracted using three different organic solvents and distilled water (which is a non-toxic, universal solvent). The four solvent extracts were tested under different temperature conditions, acid-base strengths and molar strength capacities. The results indicated that all four...
Antidiabetic Activity of Pawpaw Leaf Extract: Chemical Composition and Biokinetic Modeling
The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of dry pawpaw leaf was investigated using albino r... more The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of dry pawpaw leaf was investigated using albino rats weighing between 141.7-257.0g. The extract tested positive for the presence of saponin glycosides, condensed tannins, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides containing rhamnose, cymarose, and digitose sugars. Diabetic condition was induced in the rats by injecting 20mg of alloxan per 100g of body weight. The Diabetic condition was considered to have developed on the third day. Treatment of the alloxanised rats with dry pawpaw leaf extract brought down the fasting blood glucose level to 56.13%, indicating that the aqueous extract contain hypoglycemic agent. And it was predicted using a fitted linear model that within 5 days of treatment the blood sugar will return to normal. A strong relationship was noted to exist between blood sugar, and time of administration of the aqueous extract of dry pawpaw leaves. A linear model is the best fit for blood sugar and time of administration. The bioki...
ELECTROLYTE-MODIFIED PARTITION OF Cu IN A TERNARY SYSTEM CONTAINING HUMIC ACID
The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partition... more The fate of metals in the soil environment is directly related to their interaction and partitioning behavior in terrestrial environments. The effect of background electrolyte on the partitioning of Cu under humic conditions in soil-solution system was investigated and it was observed that increasing background electrolyte pushes humic acid (HA) aggregation through stages of thermodynamic non-spontaneous phase to an equilibrium phase and finally to a spontaneous aggregation stage. At pH 4.7 HA adsorption other than aggregation influences Cu distribution. And at pH 10 both HA adsorption and aggregation are responsible. It was noted that, the effect of background electrolyte concentration on Cu distribution is as a result of its ability to induce ligand aggregation, reduce metal – ligand complexation, and initiate competition of electrolyte cation (K+) with the Cu for sorption sites in the soil. Modeling studies revealed that, metal adsorption and HA aggregation factors account for th...
Kinetics and Cooling Temperature Effect of the Transfer of Soluble Organic Compounds from Heat-Modified Polystyrene Into Saliva and Sweat
In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification ... more In this study attempt was made to produce useful items from disposed polystyrene by modification with heat. Heat-modified polystyrene obtained by cooling the polymer melt at 285K, 303 K, 313K, 353K, 373K and 423K, were subjected to analysis to determine their ability to transfer some of their organic composition into saliva and sweat. The extents of material transfer and kinetics of the transfer process were determined. The research revealed that polystyrene waste can be recycled by heat application into useful products. And the products can transfer some of its material (organic) composition into saliva and sweat at 37 o C. It was observed that more materials are transferred into saliva than in sweat, and at equilibrium, the difference in the amount of materials transferred is 13.16%. Bio-dissolved compounds from the heat-modified polystyrene in the body fluids increased with increase in cooling temperature. In addition, the transfer of materials from the heat-modified polymer into...
Chemical Extraction of Humic Substances Using Natural Resins
Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural mat... more Natural resources are a gift to any nation. The article focused on demonstrating that natural materials hold the potential to generate income for any nation. The study tested the potential and efficiency of crude resins from indigenous plants in the extraction of humic substances from soil. The points of zero charge of crude resins from five plants (Anarcadium occidentale, Bowswellia sacra, magnifera indica, Euphorbia tiricalli, and Havea braziliensis) were determined using potentiometric method (batch titration method). Batch experiments of resin (solid) – solution system was used to extract the humic substances. The results revealed that with the exception of Bowswellia sacra, resins from the other plants have the potential to extract humic acid and fulvic acid. Adsorption efficiency studies indicated that the plant resin with the highest efficiency of extraction (83.88%) for humic acid is Euphorbia tiricalli. And for fulvic acid the highest efficiency (77.29%) is Anarcadium occid...
Trace elements distributions at Datoko-Shega artisanal mining site, northern Ghana
Environmental geochemistry and health, Jan 24, 2015
Environmental geochemistry classifies elements into essential, non-essential and toxic elements i... more Environmental geochemistry classifies elements into essential, non-essential and toxic elements in relationship to human health. To assess the environmental impact of mining at Datoko-Shega area, the distributions and concentrations of trace elements in stream sediments and soil samples were carried out. X-ray fluorescence analytical technique was used to measure the major and trace element concentrations in sediments and modified fire assay absorption spectrometry in soils. The results showed general depletion of major elements except titanium oxide (TiO2) compared to the average crustal concentrations. The retention of TiO2 at the near surface environment probably was due to the intense tropical weathering accompanied by the removal of fine sediments and soil fractions during the harmattan season by the dry north-east trade winds and sheet wash deposits formed after flash floods. The results also showed extreme contamination of selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), plus st...
This study assessed the major and selected trace elements i.e., vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), coba... more This study assessed the major and selected trace elements i.e., vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), strontium (Sr), zirconium (Zr), barium (Ba), gallium (Ga), yttrium (Y) concentrations in soils sampled from the B-horizon from selected communities in the Upper East region of Ghana. The area which is mostly underlain by granitoids, is characterized by extensive agricultural activities, soil erosion, land degradation and artisanal mining at places. The objectives were to determine the sources of these elements, and to evaluate the levels of trace element enrichments, pollution and potential risks in the area. The concentration values of the elements in the soils were compared to their respective background reference values to establish possible enrichments and pollution. The relative enrichments of the trace elements were evaluated using Enrichment Factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (I geo ), while Pollution Load Index (PLI) was used to compare enrichments within the east and west zones of the study area. The results show that while the major elements reflect the bedrock compositions, the trace elements were derived from both natural sources such as weathering of underlying bedrocks, and anthropogenic sources such as mining and other land use activities. Elements such as Cr, Zn, As, Pb, Sn, Sr, Zr, Ba and Y were enriched by various degrees while V, Co, Ni, Cu and Ga were not. The results also show that the east side of the study area was relatively more polluted in trace elements than the west.
Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 2012
This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guine... more This study investigated a natural indicator for acid-base titration which is extracted from guinea corn leaves popularly called "waakye leaves" in Ghana. Four types of acid-base titration were studied: strong acid versus (v/s) strong base, strong acid versus weak base, weak acid versus strong base, and weak acid versus weak base. The indicator color change, pH range and the average titre values were determined for each type of acid-base titration. These values were comparable to those obtained from three standard indicators: methyl orange, methyl red and phenolphthalein. Total flavonoids (TF) and condensed tannin (CT) from the crude leaves extract were determined which might be the major reasons for the activity of the extract as an indicator for simple acid-base titration. The authors suggest that the natural indicator is cheap, available, simple to extract, user and environmentally friendly and could be an excellent replacement for standard indicators.
American Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 2011
The prediction of pre-mining water quality from non-weathered sulphide ores using the Acid-Base a... more The prediction of pre-mining water quality from non-weathered sulphide ores using the Acid-Base accounting (ABA) procedure was studied at the Anglogold-Ashanti, Obuasi mine and located on the Ashanti metallogenic belt in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to establish database for use during preliminary mining project evaluation, mining project permitting, and tailings waste management planning and implementation. Total Sulphur (TS) was determined by hightemperature furnace combustion using the LECO sulphur analyzer, while carbonate was determined by gravimetric method. Average TS % and Neutralization Potential (NP) due to calcium carbonate were 1.46% and 4.34 kg CaCO 3 /ton respectively. The average TS% multiplied by the constant 31.25 yielded Maximum Potential Acidity (MPA) value of 45.63 kg CaCO 3 /ton. Also, Net Neutralization Potential (NNP), defined by NNP=NP-MPA, yielded the value-41.29 kg CaCO 3 /ton and NP: MPA ratio of 0.095. Multiple regression statistics on NP and MPA gave Rsquare value as 0.0005 and indicated a poor predictive neutralization model. From the NNP and NP: MPA values, it was concluded that the non-weathered sulphide ores at the Anglogold-Ashanti, Obuasi mine are likely to generate high acidic waters. Adequate alkaline amendment is therefore required during ore treatment.
Effect of Humic Acid on the Kinetics and Mechanism of Copper Adsorption in Soil-Solution System
... Complexation of trace metals in Natural Waters, Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. Junk, W. The Hague, The ... more ... Complexation of trace metals in Natural Waters, Martinus Nijhoff/Dr. Junk, W. The Hague, The Netherlands, W., p. 301-316. 2. Cabaniss, SE, Shuman, MS, 1988. ... Radiochim acta Vol. 94, p. 429-434; DOI 10.1524/ract.2006/94.8.429. 9. Adekola, FA, Abdus-Salam, N., 2005. ...