Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana

The prime goal of this study was to assess the surface water quality and the associated health risks for residents in the Tano South Municipality, Ghana. The WHO drinking water criteria were compared with the findings of an analysis of eight surface waters for parameters such as physiochemical param...

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Main Authors: Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, Lilian Sarpong, Roland Boadi Mensah, Samuel Wiafe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:Scientific African
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246822762400379X
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author Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi
Lilian Sarpong
Roland Boadi Mensah
Samuel Wiafe
author_facet Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi
Lilian Sarpong
Roland Boadi Mensah
Samuel Wiafe
author_sort Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi
collection DOAJ
description The prime goal of this study was to assess the surface water quality and the associated health risks for residents in the Tano South Municipality, Ghana. The WHO drinking water criteria were compared with the findings of an analysis of eight surface waters for parameters such as physiochemical parameters, nutrient levels, and concentrations of selected metals. An evaluation was performed regarding the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with metal exposure by oral and dermal absorption. The estimated water quality index indicated that seven water samples were deemed unsuitable for human consumption, while one sample indicated very low water quality. The fluoride levels in all water samples were below the limit of detection, although it guards against dental caries. All of the water samples had mean concentrations of Cd and Fe above WHO guideline values, while one water sample had a Pb concentration that was higher than recommended. Principal component analysis showed that aside from the natural source, human-induced sources such as runoff of excess chemicals and soil erosion from adjacent farm soils were responsible for the substantial levels of contaminants in surface water samples. There was a possibility of non-carcinogenic consequences for children in seven out of eight water samples. However, cancer risk for Cd and Pb was not likely for adults and children in the study area. Findings serve as a representative case study for other districts and call on water managers to treat surface waters to guard against harmful health consequences and safeguard the designated buffer zones.
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spelling doaj-art-8abfa62a4bb04b86b8f33f30d27305a52024-12-21T04:29:13ZengElsevierScientific African2468-22762024-12-0126e02437Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, GhanaJackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi0Lilian Sarpong1Roland Boadi Mensah2Samuel Wiafe3Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box KS 9091, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, GhanaDepartment of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Corresponding author at: Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana.Ferpi Transportes Y Obras, S. A (Sarpdarvil Limited), P. O. Box CT 8741, Cantoments, Accra, GhanaSunyani Technical University, Sunyani, GhanaThe prime goal of this study was to assess the surface water quality and the associated health risks for residents in the Tano South Municipality, Ghana. The WHO drinking water criteria were compared with the findings of an analysis of eight surface waters for parameters such as physiochemical parameters, nutrient levels, and concentrations of selected metals. An evaluation was performed regarding the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with metal exposure by oral and dermal absorption. The estimated water quality index indicated that seven water samples were deemed unsuitable for human consumption, while one sample indicated very low water quality. The fluoride levels in all water samples were below the limit of detection, although it guards against dental caries. All of the water samples had mean concentrations of Cd and Fe above WHO guideline values, while one water sample had a Pb concentration that was higher than recommended. Principal component analysis showed that aside from the natural source, human-induced sources such as runoff of excess chemicals and soil erosion from adjacent farm soils were responsible for the substantial levels of contaminants in surface water samples. There was a possibility of non-carcinogenic consequences for children in seven out of eight water samples. However, cancer risk for Cd and Pb was not likely for adults and children in the study area. Findings serve as a representative case study for other districts and call on water managers to treat surface waters to guard against harmful health consequences and safeguard the designated buffer zones.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246822762400379XSurface water characteristicsMultivariate analysisMetal contaminantsHealth hazardsWater quality appraisalFarming
spellingShingle Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi
Lilian Sarpong
Roland Boadi Mensah
Samuel Wiafe
Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana
Scientific African
Surface water characteristics
Multivariate analysis
Metal contaminants
Health hazards
Water quality appraisal
Farming
title Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana
title_full Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana
title_fullStr Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana
title_full_unstemmed Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana
title_short Surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the Tano South Municipality, Ahafo, Ghana
title_sort surface water quality assessment and probable health threats of metal exposure in the tano south municipality ahafo ghana
topic Surface water characteristics
Multivariate analysis
Metal contaminants
Health hazards
Water quality appraisal
Farming
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246822762400379X
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