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Abstract
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Article Information:
Assessment of Arsenic Level in Boreholes from the Wassa West District using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
J.K. Asane and D. Sam-Quarcoo
Corresponding Author: J.K. Asane
Submitted: 2011 June, 02
Accepted: 2011 September, 07
Published: 2011 November, 10 |
Abstract:
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Surveillance of drinking water is a necessary action intended to prevent the general public from
contaminating water borne diseases. In this study, arsenic concentrations in 22 borehole water samples from
various locations in the Wassa West district have been studied using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis.
The samples were irradiated using a 30 kW tank-in-pool Ghana Research Reactor-1 operating at a thermal
neutron flux of 5×10 n/s.cm2. Elevated levels of arsenic were found in virtually all the 22 samples. Arsenic
concentration in the samples ranged from 0.06 ppm to 9.43 ppm. (Mean-2.23,Standard Error of Mean-0.57)
with minimum concentration of 0.06 ppm occurring at Ayensukrom No.1 and the maximum occurring at
Tamsu-9.43 ppm. These values far exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended value of 0.01 ppm
for arsenic in drinking water. The occurrence of arsenic in the area is traced to the existence of sulphide
minerals such as arsenopyrites (FeAsS2) present in the underlying Birimian Basement rocks in the area.
Key words: Arsenic, boreholes, instrumental neutron activation analysis, wassa west district, , ,
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Cite this Reference:
J.K. Asane and D. Sam-Quarcoo, . Assessment of Arsenic Level in Boreholes from the Wassa West District using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (6): 717-721.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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