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Article Information:
Spatial Variability of Trace Metals in Surface and Groundwater Within a Contaminated Mining Environment in Ghana
F.A. Armah, J.O. Odoi, E.K.A. Afrifa, A.N.M. Pappoe, D.O. Yawson and P.K. Essandoh
Corresponding Author: Frederick Ato Armah
Submitted: 2011 April, 04
Accepted: 2011 May, 13
Published: 2011 August, 10 |
Abstract:
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The aim of the study was to spatially assess the distribution of heavy metals within the catchment
of the Tarkwa mining area using interpolation techniques in a geographical information systems environment.
Water quality trends for 84 sites in Tarkwa, a mining district in Ghana, were examined for fourteen (14)
parameters-pH, conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), turbidity, nitrates, sulphates, Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD), total cyanides, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and lead
(Pb). Kriging was utilized to illustrate the spatial patterns of variables. The results showed that surface and
groundwater are contaminated by As, Cd, Fe, Mn and Pb with the average concentrations exceeding World
Health Organisation guideline values. The spatial dependence of the heavy metals was assessed using
variogram parameters which varied from 320.30 to 4842.25 m. Significant correlations were found among
heavy metals, which suggest a common origin. This is confirmed by the cluster analysis which indicated that
Fe, As and Pb belonged to one group. The use of geostatistical tools in water quality assessment in this study
enhances our understanding of spatial trends.
Key words: Contamination, kriging, mining, spatial interpolation, trace metal, ,
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Cite this Reference:
F.A. Armah, J.O. Odoi, E.K.A. Afrifa, A.N.M. Pappoe, D.O. Yawson and P.K. Essandoh, . Spatial Variability of Trace Metals in Surface and Groundwater Within a Contaminated Mining Environment in Ghana. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (5): 546-554.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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