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Abstract
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Article Information:
Heavy Metal Concentration in Drinking Water Sources Affected by Dredge Mine Operations of a Gold Mining Company in Ghana
Apori Ntiforo, Maxwell Anim-Gyampo and Frank K. Nyame
Corresponding Author: Apori Ntiforo
Submitted: February 16, 2012
Accepted: March 16, 2012
Published: June 30, 2012 |
Abstract:
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The study assesses concentration of certain heavy metals in water sources affected by the operations
of defunct dredged gold mine operations more than a decade to evaluate its quality as a source of drinking
water. The concentration of heavy metals were determined from nine (9) surface water sampling points and
three (3) boreholes in the Awusu-River basin in comparison with their maximum contaminant levels to assess
their suitability as drinking water sources. Results obtained from the analysis of water samples indicated that
the concentrations of four heavy metals (Fe, 0.01-14.93 mg/L; Cd, <0.002-0.01 mg/L; As, <0.002-0.003 mg/L
and Pb, <0.005-0.05 mg/L) analyzed in surface water samples were above WHO threshold values (Fe 300, Cd
3, As 10 and Pb 10 ug/L) for drinking water and two (Cu, <0.002-0.05 mg/L and Zc, <0.005-0.03 mg/L) were
below (Cu 2000 ug/L and Zc 3000 ug/L). Dissolved iron registered the highest concentrations with the Slime
Retention Area (SRA) dominating with a mean concentration of 4.979 mg/L. All the sampling points were
being used as drinking water sources by the two communities. An integrated approach to management of
sources of drinking water quality in the mining areas is needed and should involve not only the mining
companies and regulatory agencies but also the local communities to enable the latter understand and appreciate
post mining issues of water quality.
Key words: Concentration, contaminant level, defunct, heavy metal, paddock, persistent,
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Cite this Reference:
Apori Ntiforo, Maxwell Anim-Gyampo and Frank K. Nyame, . Heavy Metal Concentration in Drinking Water Sources Affected by Dredge Mine Operations of a Gold Mining Company in Ghana. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (06): 633-639.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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