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Abstract Metal exposure through cereal-based breakfasts was studied in humans of varied ages (infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly) to assess the potential health risks metals in food pose to consumers. The total concentrations of As (0.59–0.69 mg/kg), Cd (1.27–1.41 mg/kg), Cr (4.66–9.85 mg/kg), Mn (8.26–9.73 mg/kg), Ni (5.01–5.81 mg/kg) and Pb (0.83–0.92 mg/kg) were all higher than the regulatory limits for metals in cereal-based foods. Metal concentrations assessed via in-vitro bioaccessibility extracts were below the detection limits. Toxicity indices of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were above their respective WHO-permissible tolerable daily intake for all age groups, implying possible health risks due to over-exposure to metals. While the hazard quotients for Cr and Mn among the age groups were less than 1, those for Cd and Ni were greater than 1. There was no public health concern for cancer risk associated with oral exposure to Pb among the various age groups. However, the estimated cancer risk of Cd (185.4 × 10–3) and As (9.2 × 10–3) was greater than the de minimus (10–6), suggesting a public health concern among various age groups. The study found a significant level of metal contaminants in cereal-based foods, which can potentially pose health risks to consumers who consume them.

Rapid urbanization and uncontrolled industrial activities in developing countries have raised concerns about potentially toxic metal contamination of the environment. This study assessed the levels of potentially toxic elements in soil and airborne particulate matter in the Suame and Asafo areas in the Kumasi metropolis, characterized by a high concentration of auto mechanic workshops and residential settlements. X-ray fluorescence analysis and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used to determine the metal concentrations in the samples. The results showed high concentrations of potentially toxic elements in the soil and air samples, indicating contamination from automotive activities. Metals such as Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were found to be present at concentrations (13.42–6101.58 mg/kg and 14.15–11.74 mg/kg for Suame and Asafo respectively) that pose potential health risks to exposed populations. Mathematical models such as pollution indices were used to assess the extent of contamination and determine the potential sources of the metals - the automotive repairs. The findings highlight the urgent need for environmental management and remediation strategies to mitigate the health risks of exposure to potentially toxic elements in the Kumasi metropolis automotive hub.

The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has led to an increased risk of infectious diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in particular, poses a significant obstacle due to its propensity to rapidly acquire resistance to conventional antibiotics. This has resulted in an urgent need for the development of new classes of antibiotics that do not induce resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been studied as potential small-molecule antibiotics due to their unique mode of action. In this study, peptides were extracted from the seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae), and the antimicrobial activities of the extract were evaluated using microbroth dilution against five different microorganisms. The extract showed antimicrobial activity against all tested organisms with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL, except for Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which had MICs of 1.25 mg/mL. The extract was also bacteriostatic for all tested organisms. The crude peptide extract from Phaseolus vulgaris was further studied for its antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common nosocomial pathogen associated with biofilm formation. The extract showed good antibiofilm activity at 1/2 MIC. The extract also inhibited the expression of pyocyanin and pyoverdine (virulence factors of P. aeruginosa whose expression is mediated by quorum sensing) by 82% and 66%, respectively. These results suggest that the peptide mix from Phaseolus vulgaris may inhibit biofilm formation and virulence factor expression by interfering with cell-to-cell communication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The ability of the extract to inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of all tested organisms indicates its potential as an antimicrobial agent that could be further studied for drug discovery.

Pesticides are widely used in Ghana, especially in cocoa farming. However, the practice is suboptimal and unsupervised. Incorrect use of these chemicals can seriously harm human health, the environment, and economies that rely on these farmers' output. The study assessed cocoa farmers' pesticide knowledge, practices, and risk perception. Four hundred and four cocoa farmers were chosen randomly from 26 communities in four cocoa-growing regions of Ghana to answer questions about their risk knowledge, awareness, and practices, including personal protective equipment, storage and disposal of leftover pesticides, and used containers. The study revealed that 87% of the respondents belonged to cooperatives and certification groups. There was a significant positive relationship between group membership and benefits derived from inputs and training in pesticide use. About 70% of insecticides used were approved by the Ghana Cocoa Board, with neonicotinoids and pyrethroids being the most highly used insecticide classes in cocoa farms. Although farmers claimed adequate pesticide knowledge, this did not translate into practice, with the majority exhibiting improper pesticide storage, application, and disposal practices. Farmers appeared to know a lot but lacked the skills and attitude to put their knowledge to use. The improper practices appear to manifest in a variety of health symptoms experienced by farmers as a result of chemical exposure. The findings from this study suggest that cocoa farmers in Ghana require adequate practical training and support on pesticide use to reduce their associated health risks, protect the environment and ensure sustainable cocoa production in the world’s second-largest cocoa bean exporter.

The increase in human activities in urban areas resulting from the urbanisation process continues to put immense pressure on urban ecological resources including water bodies. This study seeks to assess the relationship between the various categories of human activities within the 100 m buffer of the major water bodies in the Kumasi Metropolis and the chemical and biological composition of the pollutants that are emitted into the water bodies. The findings of this study showed that the Kumasi Metropolis is confronted with weak enforcement of regulations that protect water bodies. For example, along the Subin River, human activities such as commercial activities and the development of squatter settlements did not conform to the standard setback average distance of 100 feet in the Zoning Regulation and Planning Standards. There is a need for city authorities to strategically respond to the various human activities that threaten the sustainability of water resources in cities.

Food additives are used to enhance freshness, safety, appearance, flavour, and texture of food. Depending on the absorbed dose, exposure method, and length of exposure, heavy metals in diet may have a negative impact on human health. The X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer from Niton Thermo Scientific (Mobile Test S, NDTr-XL3t-86956, com 24) was used in this work to measure the heavy metal content in saltpetre, a food additive that mostly contains potassium nitrate. The average essential metal concentrations in the samples were determined to be 27044.27 ± 10905.18 mg kg−1, 24521.10 ± 6564.28 mg kg−1, 2418.33 ± 461.50 mg kg−1, and 4.615 ± 3.59 mg kg−1 for Ca, K, Fe and Zn respectively. Toxic metals (As, Pb) were present in the saltpetre samples at 4.13 ± 2.47 mg kg−1 and 2.11 ± 1.87 mg kg−1 average concentrations. No traces of mercury or cadmium were detected. Studies on exposure, health risks, and bio-accessibility identified arsenic as a significant risk factor for potential illnesses. The need to monitor heavy metal content of saltpetre and any potential health effects on consumers is brought to light by this study.

The presence of five antibiotics (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, and chloramphenicol) and four analgesics (diclofenac, ibuprofen, paracetamol, and caffeine) were investigated in water and soil samples from the Sunyani municipality, Ghana. Liquid samples were collected from hospital effluents, sachet drinking water, municipal waterworks, river Tano, and dumpsite leachates, while soil samples were collected from dumpsites and municipal waterworks. All samples were prepared using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed via an HPLC- PDA method. All antibiotics analyzed, apart from metronidazole, were detected either in soil or water samples. Doxycycline and ciprofloxacin were present in almost all liquid samples. The investigated hospital effluents had antibiotic concentrations of up to 2.93 mg/L for doxycycline and 4.74 mg/L for ciprofloxacin. The highest concentration of any antibiotic found was 8.76 mg/L of amoxicillin in hospital effluents. The maximum concentration of analgesics in liquid samples analyzed was 3.20 mg/L (paracetamol) and 3.00 mg/kg (caffeine) in soil samples. Ecological risk assessment indicated that the pharmaceuticals pose a possible risk to some aquatic organisms. The findings from this study showed the presence of these pharmaceuticals at concentrations that could impact the ecosystem. Consistent monitoring of environmental levels and pursuing the development and implementation of a suitable remediation program is needed.

Vitex doniana (West African plum or black plum) is a plant with varying phytoconstituents and biological activities across different countries. In this study, essential oils extracted from the leaves and fruits of Vitex doniana cultivated in Ghana were investigated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The antioxidant actions of the essential oils were determined using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phosphomolybdenum, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. For both essential oils, the total antioxidant capacities ranged from 44 to 68 µg/g AAE, the IC50 values for H2O2 scavenging activity were between 87 and 242 µg/mL, whereas that for DPPH assay were between 322 and 599 µg/mL. The IC50 for the TBARS assay for both essential oils also ranged from 247 to 414 µg/mL. The antimicrobial activities of the essential oils were investigated using the broth dilution assay. The minimum inhibition concentration for the essential oils ranged from 12.5 to 50 mg/mL. Biofilm inhibitory activity was also evaluated for both essential oils, and the fruit essential oil showed a half-maximal inhibition of biofilm formation (BIC50) at 44.40 ± 0.6 mg/mL, whereas the BIC50 value of the leaf essential oil was 109.1 ± 0.9 mg/mL. The fruit essential oil was superior to the leaf essential oil in inhibiting the secretion of pyoverdine. Molecular docking analyses suggested that methyl cinnamate, ethyl cinnamate, p-menth-4-en-3-one, trans-α-ionone, benzyl benzoate, isobutyl cinnamate, and folic acid likely interacted with LasR and algC proteins, and hence, contributed to the inhibition of biofilm formation and pyoverdine secretion. Essential oils from Vitex doniana could, therefore, be exploited as a natural source of radical scavenging and antimicrobial agents and could be useful in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

The River Subin, which serves as a source of direct drinking water downstream, flows through the Metropolis of Kumasi in Ghana, making it vulnerable to pollution due to human activities. In this study, we assessed the heavy metals content in the sediment of the Subin River as well as the physicochemical properties and microbial load in the river. Water and sediments were sampled from Race course upstream and downstream, Asafo, and Abinkyi upstream and downstream, Kaase, Asokwa and Wood village with a sampling distance of 100 m. Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (CD) and pollution load index (PLI) were used to assess the level of heavy metal enrichment and contamination in the sediments of River Subin. Analysis showed that temperature of the river ranged between 31.23 to 31.40 °C, pH ranged between 6.62 and 7.52, conductivity ranged between 1.16 and 4.67 µS/cm, total hardness ranged from 0.65 to 3.82 mg/L, Ca ranged from 0.26 to 1.22 mg/L, alkalinity ranged from 324 to 711 mg/L, Mg from 0.24 to 3.35 mg/L and Cl ranged from 56.76 to 99. 30 mg/L. The microbial load assessment indicated that the River Subin is highly polluted by E. coli, Faecal Enterococci, Total coliform and faecal coliform, which generally increased as the river flows downstream since more solid waste from domestic and industrial effluents enter the river. Igeo data suggested that the river was highly contaminated by Ag and Cd and moderately polluted by Pb and Co. The CF, CD and PLI, results showed high levels of Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Co, and Zn, indicating a progressive deterioration of water quality at the various sites. Our results suggest that the River Subin is highly polluted and thus, urgent management strategies are needed to mitigate further deterioration of the river.

The study aimed to ascertain the levels of trace elements present in the face powders marketed in Ghana. Fifteen different brands of facial makeup powders were purchased from a local market in Ghana. The samples were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to determine the concentrations of 16 elements (Pb, As, Hg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ti, Cu, Ni, Co, Sb, Cd, Ag, Sn, and Au). The contents of the trace elements were ordered in the following descending order according to the maximum concentrations: Fe > Zn > Ti > Mn > Cr > Hg > As > Pb > Cu, Ni, Co, Sb, Cd, Ag, Sn, and Au. Pearson correlation statistics showed strong positive relationships between Pb and Zn (r = 0.71), Pb and Cr (r = 0.57), Hg and Zn (r = 0.63), Hg and Fe (r = 0.73), Hg and Cr (r = 0.61), Zn and Fe (r = 0.69), Zn and Cr (r = 0.88), Fe and Cr (r = 0.67), and Fe and Ti (r = 0.62). Except for Pb and Cr, all the other elements had their margin of safety (MOS) values less than 100. The hazard indices (HIs) for Pb, Mn, Cr, and Ti were less than 1, indicating no risk. However, the HIs for As, Hg, Zn, and Fe were more than 1, indicating a potential risk of usage in adults. As a result, using face powders could put users at risk of exposure to trace elements. Dermal exposure to trace elements from cosmetics resulted in a lifetime cancer risk (LCR) that was higher than what was considered tolerable (LCR >10−6) due to the presence of Pb, As, and Cr. Mercury was identified as a potential skin sensitizer in the cosmetic samples examined by an exposure-based sensitization quantitative risk assessment (SQRA).

The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is undesirable since their biological activity may impair ecosystem health of reservoirs that receive inflows from other water sources. This work determined the concentrations of analgesics and antibiotics, and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among microbes in water and sediment samples from Owabi and Barekese reservoirs—two main sources of pipe-borne water in the Kumasi metropolis in Ghana. The study also assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of inhabitants near these reservoirs regarding the disposal of unused and expired medicines. Out of nine targeted pharmaceuticals, four were detected in at least one sample. Five analytes (caffeine, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, ibuprofen, and metronidazole) were below detection limit for all samples. The levels of pharmaceuticals were low, as expected, ranging from 0.06 to 36.51 μg/L in the water samples and 3.34–4.80 μg/kg in sediments. The highest detected concentration of any pharmaceutical in water was for diclofenac (107.87 μg/L), followed by metronidazole (22.23 μg/L), amoxicillin (1.86 μg/L), chloramphenicol (0.85 μg/L), and paracetamol (0.16 μg/L). Chloramphenicol recorded the highest concentration (10.22 μg/kg) in the sediments. Five bacteria isolates (Enterobacter, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Klebsiella) from the samples were resistant to all the antibiotics tested. Isolates of Corynebacterium and Listeria showed susceptibility to only doxycycline. Isolates of Bacillus were susceptible to only two antibiotics (erythromycin and doxycycline). All the 100 respondents interviewed admitted that they dispose of medications once they do not need them. Of those who disposed of unwanted medicines, 79% did so inappropriately. Disposal in household trash (67%) was the most common method used. Majority of respondents felt the need for a facility or program to collect unused medicines (77%), hence their willingness to pay to reduce pollution by pharmaceuticals in the environment. It is quite clear from the ecotoxicological risk assessment that a single pharmaceutical at very low level as those in this study and other works is likely to pose many ecological risks upon long-term exposure and therefore cannot be ignored.

This study sought to determine the influence of commercial milling machines on metal contamination of locally produced groundnut paste, and the potential risk associated with consumption. A total of 30 composite groundnut samples were collected from 9 markets within the Kumasi Metropolis and 1 nearby district market. Metal content was determined with X-ray Florescence Technique, which allowed scanning for 25 elements from Sulphur to uranium as stated on the ThermoFisher Scientific website [45]. The samples contained essential elements; Molybdenum, Zinc, Iron, Calcium and Potassium with mean concentrations of 4.64±0.58 mg/kg, 25.24±1.94 mg/kg, 486.44±333.42 mg/kg, 2023.26±485.98 mg/kg and 22,867.25±5309.73 mg/kg respectively, and non-essential elements; Niobium, Zirconium, Strontium, Titanium and Rubidium with mean concentrations of 3.36±0.66 mg/kg, 3.30±0.46 mg/kg, 6.01±1.19 mg/kg, 64.27±18.04 mg/kg and 6.71±1.24 mg/kg respectively. When compared to control samples processed using porcelain pestle and mortar, results suggest an increase in metal concentration due to the milling process. Health risk assessment indicated no likely health hazard. Metals such as Chromium, Nickel, Cadmium and Lead were not detected.

The use of principal component analysis (PCA) for soil heavy metals characterization provides useful information for decision making and policies regarding the potential sources of soil contamination. However, the concentration of heavy metal pollutants is spatially heterogeneous. Accounting for such spatial heterogeneity in soil heavy metal pollutants will improve our understanding with respect to the distribution of the most influential soil heavy metal pollutants. In this study, geographically weighted principal component analysis (GWPCA) was used to describe the spatial heterogeneity and connectivity of soil heavy metals in Kumasi, Ghana. The results from the conventional PCA revealed that three principal components cumulatively accounted for 86% of the total variation in the soil heavy metals in the study area. These components were largely dominated by Fe and Zn. The results from the GWPCA showed that the soil heavy metals are spatially heterogeneous and that the use of PCA disregards this considerable variation. This spatial heterogeneity was confirmed by the spatial maps constructed from the geographically weighted correlations among the variables. After accounting for the spatial heterogeneity, the proportion of variance explained by the three geographically weighted principal components ranged between 85% and 89%. The first three identified GWPC were largely dominated by Fe, Zn and As, respectively. The location of the study area where these variables are dominated provides information for remediation.

Background. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining pose a major environmental health concern due to the potential for discharge of toxic metals into the environment. Objectives. To determine the distribution and pollution patterns of arsenic (As), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the topsoil of a mining community in Ghana, along with potential human health risks and in vitro bioaccessibility. Methods. Concentrations of metals were determined using X-ray fluorescence techniques and validated using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results. Concentrations of the metals in topsoil were in the order of magnitude of Cu (31.38 mg/kg) < Ni (45.39 mg/kg) < As (59.66 mg/kg) < Cr (92.87 mg/kg) < Zn (106.98 mg/kg) < Mn (1195.49 mg/kg) < Fe (30061.02 mg/kg). Geo-statistical and multivariate analyses based on hazard indices including contamination, ecological risks, geo-accumulation, and pollution load suggest that the topsoils are contaminated in the study area. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) showed high ecological risk effects (PERI=269.09), whereas the hazard index (1×10−7) and carcinogenic risk index (1×10−5) indicated low human health risks. Elevated levels of As, Cr, Ni, and Zn were found to emanate from anthropogenic origins, whereas Fe, Mn, and Cu levels were attributed mainly to geological and atmospheric depositions. Physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity and total organic carbon) showed weak positive correlations to the metal concentrations. Elemental bioaccessibility was variable, decreasing in the order of Mn (35± 2.9%) > Cu (29± 2.6%) > Ni (22± 1.3%) > As (9± 0.5%) > Cr (4± 0.6%) > Fe (2± 0.4%). Conclusions. Incorporation of in-vitro bioaccessibility into the risk characterization models resulted in a hazard index of less than 1, implying low human health risks. However, due to accumulation effects of the metals, regular monitoring is required. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Consumption of food of animal origin or animal proteins has been associated with many perceptions about the quantity and quality consumed and the related health effects on the consumer. Several investigative methods including a food frequency questionnaire have been used to confirm or disprove these perceptions. This study investigated the consumption patterns of animal proteins (beef, chicken, fish, egg, offal, sausage, and pork) of some residents in major cities in Ghana. A total of 688 participants were involved in this survey with an average age of 38.7±16; having religious makeup of 89.1% Christians, 10.32% Muslims, 0.44% non-religious, and 0.15% Traditionalists. The Akan ethnicity accounted for 55% of all participants followed by Ga-Adangbe, and Ewe with 20% and 12% respectively. The estimated protein consumptions were 657 g/person/day chicken, 412 g/person/day pork, 477 g/person/day fish, 410 g/person/day beef, 211 g/person/day egg and 148 g/person/day sausage. While boiled eggs were the most preferred protein form, the fried type was the most preferred for the other protein sources.

The occurrence of heavy metals in urban soils is of great environmental concern due to the unwanted health effect associated with their excessive exposure. The study assessed levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn) in peri-urban communities of the Kumasi metropolis and evaluated sources and potential health risk associated with exposure to these metals. Soil samples collected from topsoils at a depth of 0–10 cm were subjected to x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy analysis for total metal quantification. The XRF results were then confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Soil pH, conductivity, and total organic carbon were determined using standard procedures. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of metals were As (10.11), Cd (12.91), Cr (77.97), Cu (20.20), Fe (23031), Pb (18.60), Mn (158.68), Ni (29.33), Sn (8.83), V (78.21) and Zn (49.27). The pH and electrical conductivity were in a range of 6.5 - 8.5 and 153 - 8990 µS/cm respectively. The mean total organic carbon was 8.85%. Pollution indicators such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and pollution load index all showed that soil in the study area is of low degree of contamination. The potential ecological risk index projected a low-risk effect. In contrast, the hazard index and carcinogenic risk index indicated no significant human health risk associated with exposure to the metals presently. However, to regulate bioaccumulation effects, constant monitoring is essential.

Medicinal plants form the basis for many medical treatments and a precursor for most drugs. This study examined the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the root and bark extracts of Vitex grandifolia. Soxhlet extraction was used to obtain the crude extracts. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide and phosphomolybdenum (PM) assays were used to evaluate antioxidant properties. Total phenolic content determination was by the Folin Ciocalteu method. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model in day-old chicks was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. The root and bark ethanolic extracts displayed similar antioxidant activities in the DPPH and PM assays. The bark extract was a better anti-oxidant than the root extract in the hydrogen peroxide assay with an inhibition concentration of 218.90 µg/mL. Both extracts showed similar levels of phenolic compounds, with values of 5.72 ± 1.96 and 5.09 ± 2.25 g/100g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) for root and bark extracts respectively. For anti-inflammatory action, the bark extract, with a half maximal effective dose (ED50) of 34.48 ± 6.00 mg/kg, proved superior to root extract (ED50 of 76.90 ± 7.76 mg/kg). The bark extract which gave the best anti-inflammatory activity was fractionated using butanol, ethyl acetate and hexane to identify the fraction in which the anti-inflammatory principles were concentrated. The ED50 for the fractions were in the order ethyl acetate < hexane < butanol. The results obtained showed that both root and bark extracts were potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents and validates their use in folkloric medicine for treating inflammation-related diseases.

This study investigated the heavy metal content and the extent of pollution in soils from abandoned dump sites in Kumasi, Ghana. Concentrations of heavy metals in the 70 soil samples were determined using a Niton XL3t GOLD field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and confirmed on an Agilent 7800 inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Mercury was determined with a Lumex mercury analyzer. Mean concentrations of metals in soils were in the order: Zn (166 mg/kg). Cr (67 mg/kg) > Cu (32 mg/kg), Ni (22 mg/kg) > Pb (11 mg/kg) Cd (8.9 mg/kg) > As (4.2 mg/kg) > Hg (0.04 mg/kg) for Kronum; and Zn (558 mg/kg), Cu (347 mg/kg), Pb (288 mg/kg) > Cr (77 mg/kg) > Ni (35 mg/kg) > As (11 mg/kg) > Cd (3.0 mg/kg) > Hg (0.19 mg/kg) for Amakom. Pollution indices (geo-accumulation, contamination factor, pollution load and potential ecological risk) indicated very high contamination for arsenic, cadmium and lead at Kronum and arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc at Amakom. Mercury recorded the least level of pollution for both dump sites. Regular monitoring of these abandoned dump sites is required. Remediation programs in these sites should also be instituted.

The proliferation of illegal mining in Ghana, coupled with its environmental impacts, especially on water bodies has compelled the government to ban all artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) activities in the country. The ban is intended to promote environmental sustainability while the government takes steps to provide sustainable health, and environmental-friendly ASM in Ghana. This paper assesses the perception of registered miners on the current approach by the Ghanaian government to stop illegal mining. Analyses of data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews revealed that the miners felt “left out” of the entire process. They maintained that they were not directly involved in the process to ban illegal mining in Ghana. To them, the proliferation of illegal mining in Ghana is the result of non-performing government institutions, corruption, and cumbersome licensing procedures. The article calls for improvement in the collaboration between the government and miners through a simplified participatory framework for the management of ASM in Ghana.

Peanut skin extract, an agro-waste and a source of flavonoids has been extracted from peanut skin and employed as a precursor for the synthesis of novel azo compounds and metal complexes. The new ligand, peanut skin extract-azo-compound, was synthesized under suitable experimental conditions by diazotization of aniline and coupling with an alkaline solution of peanut skin extract. The reaction of the ligand with metal chlorides of iron and manganese under reflux yielded novel azo metal complexes. The yields of the compounds ranged from 42% to 95%. All compounds were coloured, insoluble in water but soluble in methanol, ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate. Morphology and composition of ligands and metal complexes were corroborated by spectroscopic techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometry and UV-visible spectroscopy. The azo complexes were found to possess potent antimicrobial activities against E. coli (gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) and hence recommended for application as antimicrobial agent, and corrosion inhibitors in anti-corrosion paints and pigments for surface coatings.

The preparation practices, handling and raw materials for street food vending could be sources of toxic metals in street food vending business which is yet to be explored in-depth as microbial contamination. The concentrations and dietary risk of the toxic metals Al, Fe, and Pb were assessed in fufu and fried-rice, two commonly consumed street-vended foods in Ghana. The mean concentrations for Pb found to be between 3.30 and 11.25 mg kg−1 in the cooked foods, far exceeded the maximum tolerable daily intake of 0.3 mg kg−1 body weight per day for consumers. Al and Fe concentrations were between 3.04 and 18.49 mg kg−1 and 1.44 and 7.82 mg kg−1, respectively. Hazard index was less than 1 at the 5th percentile level of consumption, but greater than 1 at the 50th and 95th percentile level of consumption; indicating risk of metal toxicity with increasing probability as the level of consumption and HI increase. The patronage of street vended foods is unlikely to reduce. Hence vendors must be educated on safe preparation and handling processes such as the use of stainless steel utensils will likely reduce the levels of the toxic metals to acceptable levels. Keywords: Food contamination, Metal toxicity, Toxicology, Human health risk

Abstract Background Pesticide residue levels were determined in ready-to-eat vegetables collected from 16 sites along the food chain; which is, farms, markets, cafeterias and street food vending sites in Kumasi, Ghana. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of pesticides residues in two ready-to-eat vegetables and assess the health risks due to consumption of these contaminated vegetables. Methods Pesticide residues in ready-to-eat vegetables or salads were extracted by means of the QuEChERS method. Synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphorus pesticides residues in samples were determined using Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detector and Pulsed Flame Photometric Detector respectively. Consumption data of ready-to-eat vegetables were obtained from a questionnaire-based dietary survey in the study area. The hazard index and the relative potency factor (RPFs) approaches were used to assess the health risk from chronic cumulative dietary exposure to pesticides. Results There were six synthetic pyrethroid residues detected in the ready-to-eat samples at varying concentrations. They were bifenthrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and fenvalerate. Also, two organophosphates were detected in the samples; which were chlorpyrifos and diazinon. Lambda-cyhalothrin residues was present in all the samples in the study, with the mean concentration of 4.5 × 10−2 mgkg−1. The mean concentration of diazinon in all the samples (0.040 mgkg−1) exceeded the EU MRLs (0.01 mgkg−1), chlopyrifos exceeded its MRL in one sample from the street food vending site and cafeteria each. Deltamethrin, Fenvalerate and Permethrin exceeded their respective MRL in samples from Asafo (Street food vending sites) and Adum (Cafeteria) and KNUST (Farm) respectively. However, the health index of all pesticides residues detected were below the permissible limit. The cumulative intake from the RPF approach for the pesticides were relatively lower than the ADI of the index chemicals. Conclusion The concentrations of chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, diazinon and permethrin exceeded their respective EU MRLs in some ready-to-eat vegetable samples in the study. The health index and comparison of cumulative intake from RPF with ADI of the index chemicals suggest that pesticide residues in ready-to-eat vegetables could not be considered a major public health problem.

The incidence of antimicrobial resistance among microbial communities is a major threat to global health care and security. Landfills, which are reservoirs for many pharmaceuticals, provide a conducive habitat for antimicrobial-resistant microbes and resistant gene transfer and are therefore a major contributor to the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance. Hence, this study determined the levels of three widely used antibiotics, metronidazole, penicillin, and amoxicillin, and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance amongst microbes in soil and leachate samples from active and abandoned landfill sites in Kumasi, Ghana. Soil samples were collected from one active and four abandoned landfills, while leachate specimen was collected only from the active landfill. Sonication and solid-phase extraction (SPE) were used for sample preparation, followed by analysis via an HPLC-PDA method. Isolation and characterization of bacteria were done using standard bacteriological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined following the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines. Antibiotics were detected at very high concentrations in the specimen collected from both active and abandoned landfill sites. For leachate samples obtained from Dompoase, penicillin was present at the highest concentration (67.42 ± 5.35 μg/mL, p

Geophagia is the craving for non-food substances and commonly practiced among pregnant women and children. Consumption of geophagic clay samples can have serious implications on the health of the consumers as a result of the presence of toxic metals such as Pb, As, Hg and Cd. This study sought to determine the levels of heavy metals in the studied geophagic clay samples and to determine the potential risks of heavy metals as cumulative carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to the health of the consumers via oral (ingestion) and dermal exposure routes. A total of thirty (30) white clay samples were analysed using Niton Thermo scientific XRF Analyser (Mobile Test S, NDTr-XL3t-86956, com 24). The clay samples were found to contain essential elements such as Ca, Fe, K and Zn as well as toxic metals such as As and Pb. There were isolated cases of the presence of Hg and all samples had Cd levels below detection. Health risk indices such as hazard quotient and cancer risk were calculated and the results indicated that consumers are likely to suffer from cancer through ingestion of geophagic clay. Bioaccessibility studies were done on zinc and it did not indicate any potential toxicity due to zincs essential nature. The levels of heavy metals in some of the geophagic clay consumed by some residents in the Kumasi were high compared to the Permitted Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (PMTDI) by (WHO/FAO) and may pose potential health threat over time. Keywords: Geophagia, White clay, Heavy metals, Health risk assessment, Permitted maximum tolerable daily intake

Physicochemical properties, nutrient concentrations, microbial properties and concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediments from the Owabi reservoir and its tributaries, namely Atafua, Sukobri and Owabi rivers as well as the outflow of the reservoir, were determined as indicators of the extent of pollution of the reservoir. The samples were collected in December 2015, which falls within the dry season in Ghana. Nutrient concentrations in water and sediments were within permissible limits. The heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb and Fe) in sediments were determined using X-ray fluorescence and that in water using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Water from the reservoir and its feeder tributaries was heavily polluted with faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and faecal enterococci. Physicochemical properties were within the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) permissible concentrations for drinking water except for turbidity, which was significantly higher (P

Spices are generally consumed because of the taste and flavor they add to food. Some are also consumed because of their medicinal properties. We herein report on the nutrient and antinutrient compositions of five Ghanaian spices namely Xylopia aethiopica, Piper guineense, Monodora myristica, Aframomum melegueta and Parkia biglobosa. Nutritional composition was assessed by proximate analysis, minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry while titrimetric methods were utilized in vitamin C and antinutrients analysis. P. biglobosa was rich in proteins (38.60%) and had highest moisture content (32.79%). The highest levels of ash, fiber, fat and carbohydrates were observed P. guineense (11.90%), A. melegueta (31.12%), M. myristica (31.01%) and X. aethiopica (50.1%) respectively. Calorific values for all spices were between 243 and 402 kcal. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron were the most abundant minerals with levels ranging from 2.67 to 5,381.88 mg/kg. Zinc, copper and manganese were present in trace amounts. Vitamin C levels ranged from 3.3 to 18.4 mg/100 g. Phytates were present at generally higher levels than oxalates. P. biglobosa and X. aethiopica contained the highest concentration of oxalates and phytates respectively. The results indicate that these spices are good sources of valuable nutrients. However, the high levels of antinutrients implies consumption in moderation and good processing before eating is important.