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Mensah, E.E., Owusu - Mensah, I., Oppong, E., & Saka, O.M. (2015). Allelopathic Effect of Topsoil Extract From Tectona grandis L. Plantation on the Germination of Lycopersicum esculentum. Journal of Biology, Agriculcure and Healthcare, 5,
Abstract
Abstract The use of topsoil extracts transferred from Tectona grandis L. plantation to explore similar effects and use of the leaf, bark and root extracts on germination and growth of Lycopersicum esculentum is presented. The study was designed to determine the effect of variation of masses of topsoil extracts from teak plantation on the germination and growth response of tomato seeds planted on another soil whose physico - chemical analysis indicate that it can support plant growth. The topsoil extracts were collected in 5kg, 5.5kg, 6kg and 6.5kg packs and respectively spread on 4 mini - plots each with 3 replications and containing 50 planted tomato seeds. The control was the mini - plot without any topsoil extracts. The results showed that the topsoil extracts were able to suppress the germination of the tomato seeds and the effect increased with the mass used. There was a significantly progressive decrease in the mean tall lengths of the seedlings with mass of topsoil indicating a growth inhibition. However, the effect was not very much pronounced in the comparison of the mean values of the short lengths of the seedlings. Key words: Allelopathy, topsoil extracts, germination
Abstract The use of topsoil extracts transferred from Tectona grandis L. plantation to explore similar effects and use of the leaf, bark and root extracts on germination and growth of Lycopersicum esculentum is presented. The study was designed to determine the effect of variation of masses of topsoil extracts from teak plantation on the germination and growth response of tomato seeds planted on another soil whose physico - chemical analysis indicate that it can support plant growth. The topsoil extracts were collected in 5kg, 5.5kg, 6kg and 6.5kg packs and respectively spread on 4 mini - plots each with 3 replications and containing 50 planted tomato seeds. The control was the mini - plot without any topsoil extracts. The results showed that the topsoil extracts were able to suppress the germination of the tomato seeds and the effect increased with the mass used. There was a significantly progressive decrease in the mean tall lengths of the seedlings with mass of topsoil indicating a growth inhibition. However, the effect was not very much pronounced in the comparison of the mean values of the short lengths of the seedlings. Key words: Allelopathy, topsoil extracts, germination
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 12, 2015
Mensah, E.E., & Nyabu, I.T. (2015). A Study of the Prospective Effect of Circularly Polarized Light on the Electrical Conductivity of Aqueous Solutions of Soil Nutrients. International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences, 2,
Abstract
Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a circularly polarized light from an 85W incoherent source on the electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions of NPK grade inorganic fertilizer. It was aimed at exploring the prospects of using the circularly polarized light to manipulate the ion availability in 0.3g/50cm3, 0.5g/50cm3, 1.0g/50cm3, 1.5g/50cm3, 2.0g/50cm3, 3.0g/50cm3 and 4.0g/50cm3 aqueous solutions of the inorganic fertilizer after 6 hours of exposure to regulate the electrical conductivities of the solutions. The results showed that the circularly polarized light significantly lowered the electrical conductivity values of all the aqueous solutions. The process was found to be exothermic as the temperatures of the exposed samples were found to be significantly higher than the unexposed. Keywords: Circularly polarized light, Electrical conductivity, Inorganic fertilizer, Ionic polarization.
Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a circularly polarized light from an 85W incoherent source on the electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions of NPK grade inorganic fertilizer. It was aimed at exploring the prospects of using the circularly polarized light to manipulate the ion availability in 0.3g/50cm3, 0.5g/50cm3, 1.0g/50cm3, 1.5g/50cm3, 2.0g/50cm3, 3.0g/50cm3 and 4.0g/50cm3 aqueous solutions of the inorganic fertilizer after 6 hours of exposure to regulate the electrical conductivities of the solutions. The results showed that the circularly polarized light significantly lowered the electrical conductivity values of all the aqueous solutions. The process was found to be exothermic as the temperatures of the exposed samples were found to be significantly higher than the unexposed. Keywords: Circularly polarized light, Electrical conductivity, Inorganic fertilizer, Ionic polarization.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 12, 2015
Mensah, E.E., Ofori, L., & Mills, T.E. (2014). Small - Scale Surface Mining in Tarkwa - Nsuaem Municipality in Western Ghana and its Effect on Soil Physical Properties. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 4,
Abstract
Abstract Small - scale surface mining in Tarkwa - Nsuaem municipality in western Ghana and its effect on soil physical properties is presented in this study. The rising rate of land degradation by the small - scale surface miners in the study area has created a situation in which farmlands are becoming scarce and farmers are left with no choice than to use mined - out lands. The study set out to measure the physical properties of soil from mined - out lands to determine their suitability for use for agricultural purposes. One set of samples comprising soil from mined and unmined sites were randomly collected using a cylindrical metal core of known volume. After recording their wet weights, the samples were then oven dried at 105°C for 24 hours after which their dry weights were also recorded. The bulk density, porosity, solid space, mass wetness and void ratio were then calculated. The procedure was repeated for three other sites in the study area. The results showed that the mined soil, in its current state, was unsuitable for use by farmers for agricultural purposes because it was compacted, less porous, susceptible to erosion, dry and could barely support plant life. It was recommended that practices that maintain or increase soil organic matter which leads to high pore space and low bulk density be adopted to restore the mined - out lands to their natural state. Keywords: Bulk density, Porosity, Pore space, Mass wetness, Void ratio
Abstract Small - scale surface mining in Tarkwa - Nsuaem municipality in western Ghana and its effect on soil physical properties is presented in this study. The rising rate of land degradation by the small - scale surface miners in the study area has created a situation in which farmlands are becoming scarce and farmers are left with no choice than to use mined - out lands. The study set out to measure the physical properties of soil from mined - out lands to determine their suitability for use for agricultural purposes. One set of samples comprising soil from mined and unmined sites were randomly collected using a cylindrical metal core of known volume. After recording their wet weights, the samples were then oven dried at 105°C for 24 hours after which their dry weights were also recorded. The bulk density, porosity, solid space, mass wetness and void ratio were then calculated. The procedure was repeated for three other sites in the study area. The results showed that the mined soil, in its current state, was unsuitable for use by farmers for agricultural purposes because it was compacted, less porous, susceptible to erosion, dry and could barely support plant life. It was recommended that practices that maintain or increase soil organic matter which leads to high pore space and low bulk density be adopted to restore the mined - out lands to their natural state. Keywords: Bulk density, Porosity, Pore space, Mass wetness, Void ratio
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 12, 2015
Monney, I., (2014). A look at the impacts of urban slums on surface water resources. A case study of Ghana's biggest slum; Old Fadama. Deutscland, Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing. http://https://www.lap-publishing.com/catalog/details//store/gb/book/978-3-8484-9627-3/a-look-at-the-impacts-of-urban-slums-on-surface-water-resources. ISBN: 978-3-8484-9627-3
Abstract
Distress migration of the poor in rural areas to urban areas in the developing world has resulted in the proliferation of urban slums. these are areas characterised by poor housing, lack of access to safe water and improved sanitation, deplorable environmental conditions, among others posing adverse health effects to human health and the environment as well. The lack of improved sanitation is particularly a big problem in slums because solid waste, excreta and untreated wastewater are discharged directly into surface water resources draining their catchments. In order to avoid pollution possibly from these sources, with implications for drinking water sources, its necessary to understand the sources, composition and loads of chemical and microbial contaminants that emanate from the insanitary conditions that prevail in slums. This book looks at the extent of pollution of surface water resources arising from these sources and the best practices to address this issue.
Distress migration of the poor in rural areas to urban areas in the developing world has resulted in the proliferation of urban slums. these are areas characterised by poor housing, lack of access to safe water and improved sanitation, deplorable environmental conditions, among others posing adverse health effects to human health and the environment as well. The lack of improved sanitation is particularly a big problem in slums because solid waste, excreta and untreated wastewater are discharged directly into surface water resources draining their catchments. In order to avoid pollution possibly from these sources, with implications for drinking water sources, its necessary to understand the sources, composition and loads of chemical and microbial contaminants that emanate from the insanitary conditions that prevail in slums. This book looks at the extent of pollution of surface water resources arising from these sources and the best practices to address this issue.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 07, 2015
Monney, I., Dwumfour-Asare, B., Owusu-Mensah, I. and Badzi, S.E.Y. (2014). Translating hand hygiene knowledge into practice: A study of basic school children in an urban community in Ghana. International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, 3,
Abstract
This paper generally examines the level of knowledge and practice of hand washing with soap (HWWS) among basic school pupils and the existing challenges. The study employed structured questionnaires, interviews and spot observations to obtain relevant information from 162 pupils and 20 head teachers from 20 primary schools in Ofankor, in the Ga East Municipality, Ghana. The pupils comprising of equal proportion of boys and girls were purposively selected from the lower and upper primary grades. Most pupils (87%) reported being educated on HWWS but 73% reported actually practicing HWWS after visiting the toilet. Protection from illnesses was generally mentioned (60%) as the major importance of HWWS. Apparently, pupils who claimed to be educated on HWWS are more likely to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating as compared to those who have not been educated (χ2= 4.17; p < 0.05). Younger pupils (lower primary) are reportedly more likely to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating as compared to older pupils (upper primary) (χ2 = 13.40; p < 0.05). Conversely, no statistically significant association (χ2 = 2.96; p > 0.05) was found between gender and these two critical moments for HWWS. Although pupils have good knowledge of HWWS, hand washing stations in the schools are not only substandard but also inadequate and soap provision is infrequent. The best practices to ensure effective implementation of hand hygiene programme in schools are discussed in detail in the paper.
This paper generally examines the level of knowledge and practice of hand washing with soap (HWWS) among basic school pupils and the existing challenges. The study employed structured questionnaires, interviews and spot observations to obtain relevant information from 162 pupils and 20 head teachers from 20 primary schools in Ofankor, in the Ga East Municipality, Ghana. The pupils comprising of equal proportion of boys and girls were purposively selected from the lower and upper primary grades. Most pupils (87%) reported being educated on HWWS but 73% reported actually practicing HWWS after visiting the toilet. Protection from illnesses was generally mentioned (60%) as the major importance of HWWS. Apparently, pupils who claimed to be educated on HWWS are more likely to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating as compared to those who have not been educated (χ2= 4.17; p < 0.05). Younger pupils (lower primary) are reportedly more likely to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating as compared to older pupils (upper primary) (χ2 = 13.40; p < 0.05). Conversely, no statistically significant association (χ2 = 2.96; p > 0.05) was found between gender and these two critical moments for HWWS. Although pupils have good knowledge of HWWS, hand washing stations in the schools are not only substandard but also inadequate and soap provision is infrequent. The best practices to ensure effective implementation of hand hygiene programme in schools are discussed in detail in the paper.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 07, 2015
Monney, I., Dwumfour-Asare, B., Owusu-Mensah, I. & Kuffour, R.A. (2014). Occupational health and safety practices among vehicle repair artisans in an urban area in Ghana. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science, 3,
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the extent of work-related injuries and illnesses, access to first aid, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire safety measures and hand hygiene practices among vehicle repair artisans. Materials and Methods: Study respondents were 100 vehicle repair artisans comprising of 28 Auto mechanics, 20 electricians, 26 welders, 18 sprayers, and 8 automobile interior designers selected by simple random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires, extensive field observations and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data in 2013/2014 and analyzed with Minitab version 16 in 2014. Results: Close to two-thirds (64%) of the artisans have sustained work-related injuries mostly resulting from cuts and burns. Respondents’ marital status (P = 0.014) and the type of work (P = 0.037) were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of physical injury, in contrast to their level of education (P = 0.874) and work experience (P = 0.203). Seventy-eight percent of the artisans lack training in fire safety and besides, basic firefighting equipment are non-existent in the workshops visited. Self-medication after injury (55%; N = 64) and ignorance in first aid administration (92%) are common among the artisans. Further, due to the physical exertions required by their work, most artisans (N = 57) experience musculoskeletal disorders. Use of PPE (27%) and proper hand hygiene practices (28%; N = 98) are generally ignored by the artisans posing possible health risks. Conclusions: Vehicle repair workers need to be educated on the dangers associated with their work and the best practices to be adopted to curb or forestall these risks.
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the extent of work-related injuries and illnesses, access to first aid, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire safety measures and hand hygiene practices among vehicle repair artisans. Materials and Methods: Study respondents were 100 vehicle repair artisans comprising of 28 Auto mechanics, 20 electricians, 26 welders, 18 sprayers, and 8 automobile interior designers selected by simple random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires, extensive field observations and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data in 2013/2014 and analyzed with Minitab version 16 in 2014. Results: Close to two-thirds (64%) of the artisans have sustained work-related injuries mostly resulting from cuts and burns. Respondents’ marital status (P = 0.014) and the type of work (P = 0.037) were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of physical injury, in contrast to their level of education (P = 0.874) and work experience (P = 0.203). Seventy-eight percent of the artisans lack training in fire safety and besides, basic firefighting equipment are non-existent in the workshops visited. Self-medication after injury (55%; N = 64) and ignorance in first aid administration (92%) are common among the artisans. Further, due to the physical exertions required by their work, most artisans (N = 57) experience musculoskeletal disorders. Use of PPE (27%) and proper hand hygiene practices (28%; N = 98) are generally ignored by the artisans posing possible health risks. Conclusions: Vehicle repair workers need to be educated on the dangers associated with their work and the best practices to be adopted to curb or forestall these risks.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 07, 2015
Monney, I., Agyei, D., Badzi, SEY, Campaore, P. & Nyaw, S. (2014). Food hygiene and Safety Practices among Street Food Vendors: An Assessment of Compliance, Institutional and Legislative Framework in Ghana. Food and Public Health, 4,
Abstract
This cross sectional study assesses compliance with eight food hygiene and safety principles among 200 randomly selected food vendors in two study locations in Ghana; Bibiani and Dormaa Ahenkro. Compliance levels were ranked according to a 5-point Likert scale based on calculated compliance scores. It also examines existing institutional and legislative framework for regulating the activities of food vendors in Ghana. Data collection was based primarily on extensive field observation and complemented by face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and in-depth interview with an experienced health official. The study observed a marginally good [overall compliance (OC) score = 0.67, on a 0 to 1scale] compliance with the food hygiene and safety principles with clear disparities between the two study areas: compliance at Dormaa-Ahenkro was relatively higher (OC-score = 0.71) than Bibiani (OC-score = 0.62). The pattern of compliance levels depicts very good compliance with medical screening (C-score = 0.91) but poor compliance with use of protective clothing (C-score=0.38). Statistically significant associations (p<0.05) were observed between majority (80%) of the food hygiene and safety principles and the study areas. The study identified weak institutional capacities; logistical constraints; overlapping and duplicated institutional responsibilities; inconsistent local bye-laws as key features of existing institutions and legislations, and proposes capacity building and harmonisation of institutional roles and legislations.
This cross sectional study assesses compliance with eight food hygiene and safety principles among 200 randomly selected food vendors in two study locations in Ghana; Bibiani and Dormaa Ahenkro. Compliance levels were ranked according to a 5-point Likert scale based on calculated compliance scores. It also examines existing institutional and legislative framework for regulating the activities of food vendors in Ghana. Data collection was based primarily on extensive field observation and complemented by face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and in-depth interview with an experienced health official. The study observed a marginally good [overall compliance (OC) score = 0.67, on a 0 to 1scale] compliance with the food hygiene and safety principles with clear disparities between the two study areas: compliance at Dormaa-Ahenkro was relatively higher (OC-score = 0.71) than Bibiani (OC-score = 0.62). The pattern of compliance levels depicts very good compliance with medical screening (C-score = 0.91) but poor compliance with use of protective clothing (C-score=0.38). Statistically significant associations (p<0.05) were observed between majority (80%) of the food hygiene and safety principles and the study areas. The study identified weak institutional capacities; logistical constraints; overlapping and duplicated institutional responsibilities; inconsistent local bye-laws as key features of existing institutions and legislations, and proposes capacity building and harmonisation of institutional roles and legislations.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 07, 2015
Wahabu, A., Oduro-Kwarteng, S., Monney, I. & Kotoka, P. (2014). Characteristics of diverted solid waste in Kumasi: a Ghanaian city. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 3,
Abstract
Waste diversion from landfills has generally been neglected in the developing world despite its potential to prolong the lifespan of landfills and generate revenues. This study aims at characterizing diverted solid waste fractions at communal collection points in seven communities and determining the trends in landfilled solid waste due to the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) mechanism. It is based on quantitative measurements of diverted waste by informal waste pickers at communal collection points in seven communities in the Kumasi metropolis and analysis of landfilled waste records prior to and after the introduction of the PAYT mechanism. The study shows a daily diversion rate of 19.4±9.2kg per informal waste picker per day with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.29). This constitutes just 0.5w/w% of the total waste stream at communal collection points. The diverted waste is dominated by plastics (50%) and metals (29%). Generally, the diverted waste quantities are hugely dependent on the storage capacities of the informal waste pickers while the types of recovered items depend on readily available market. The introduction of the PAYT system, as observed from the study, immediately caused a decline (28%) in waste disposed of at communal collection points but steadily appreciated with time (26% and 13% consecutive reductions in subsequent years). The study recommends support for the informal sector, Public-Private Partnerships for waste recycling and intensive public education on PAYT mechanism prior to and after its introduction.
Waste diversion from landfills has generally been neglected in the developing world despite its potential to prolong the lifespan of landfills and generate revenues. This study aims at characterizing diverted solid waste fractions at communal collection points in seven communities and determining the trends in landfilled solid waste due to the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) mechanism. It is based on quantitative measurements of diverted waste by informal waste pickers at communal collection points in seven communities in the Kumasi metropolis and analysis of landfilled waste records prior to and after the introduction of the PAYT mechanism. The study shows a daily diversion rate of 19.4±9.2kg per informal waste picker per day with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.29). This constitutes just 0.5w/w% of the total waste stream at communal collection points. The diverted waste is dominated by plastics (50%) and metals (29%). Generally, the diverted waste quantities are hugely dependent on the storage capacities of the informal waste pickers while the types of recovered items depend on readily available market. The introduction of the PAYT system, as observed from the study, immediately caused a decline (28%) in waste disposed of at communal collection points but steadily appreciated with time (26% and 13% consecutive reductions in subsequent years). The study recommends support for the informal sector, Public-Private Partnerships for waste recycling and intensive public education on PAYT mechanism prior to and after its introduction.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 07, 2015
Monney, I., Oduro-Kwarteng S., & Odai, S.N. (2014). Assessing human resource capacity needs to meet the MDG targets on water and sanitation in Ghana. Developing Country Studies, 4,
Abstract
Achieving the MDG targets for water and sanitation (WatSan) has gained much attention in the run-up to the year 2015. While the cost of achieving these targets are known, the human resource capacity needs to do same is unexplored. In an attempt to fill this knowledge gap, this study, generally, was to test a methodology for assessing the human resource requirements to meet the WatSan MDG targets in Ghana. Consultative stakeholder meetings, structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were employed to elicit information regarding the existing human resource capacity, supply of human resource from training institutions and human resource demand for the sector. A total of 45 organisations comprising of 6 public sector institutions, 6 NGOs 14 private sector organisations and 19 training institutions were involved in the study. The study points out that, the MDG target deficit for sanitation coverage is approximately 8 times more than that of water. The private sector (46%) and NGOs (9%) are more involved in the water sector based on employee distribution as opposed to the sanitation sector which is dominated by the public sector (82%). There is a high demand for Administration and Finance and Social Development personnel for the water sector contrary to the sanitation sector where a high demand exists for Technical WatSan and Other Technical personnel to meet the MDG targets. The human resource assessment method was found to be useful. The study proposes development of recruitment policies and training plans that align with the short and long-term targets of the WatSan sector and more private sector and NGO involvement in the sanitation sector.
Achieving the MDG targets for water and sanitation (WatSan) has gained much attention in the run-up to the year 2015. While the cost of achieving these targets are known, the human resource capacity needs to do same is unexplored. In an attempt to fill this knowledge gap, this study, generally, was to test a methodology for assessing the human resource requirements to meet the WatSan MDG targets in Ghana. Consultative stakeholder meetings, structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were employed to elicit information regarding the existing human resource capacity, supply of human resource from training institutions and human resource demand for the sector. A total of 45 organisations comprising of 6 public sector institutions, 6 NGOs 14 private sector organisations and 19 training institutions were involved in the study. The study points out that, the MDG target deficit for sanitation coverage is approximately 8 times more than that of water. The private sector (46%) and NGOs (9%) are more involved in the water sector based on employee distribution as opposed to the sanitation sector which is dominated by the public sector (82%). There is a high demand for Administration and Finance and Social Development personnel for the water sector contrary to the sanitation sector where a high demand exists for Technical WatSan and Other Technical personnel to meet the MDG targets. The human resource assessment method was found to be useful. The study proposes development of recruitment policies and training plans that align with the short and long-term targets of the WatSan sector and more private sector and NGO involvement in the sanitation sector.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 07, 2015
Tiimub, B. M., Sarkodie, P. A., Monney, I. & Maxwell, O. (2015). Heavy metal contamination of soil by quarry dust at Asonomaso in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Chemistry and Materials Research, 7,
Abstract
Environmental pollution caused by quarry dust and heavy metals is a problem for many years in Asonomaso. The main aim of this paper was to determine the amount and types of heavy metal pollutants associated with the quarrying and also identify the probable adverse effects they have on human health and the environment. About 30 quarry dust samples were collected from two sampling sites between August and November, 2011 for analysis using AAS. Evaluation using SPSS 17.0 statistical programme revealed appreciable amounts of As, Hg, Mn, Cu Zn and Pb and Fe which differ from one site to another. AAS analysis revealed relatively higher concentrations of As, Ag, Cu and Zn in both primary and secondary quarry dust than dust away from the site. However, concentrations of Mn, Fe and Pb were higher in secondary quarry dust and dust away from the primary site. Heavy metal pollution of the Asonomaso environ attributable to the quarry is thus significant and its repercussions on the health of the residents must be seriously looked at. You
Environmental pollution caused by quarry dust and heavy metals is a problem for many years in Asonomaso. The main aim of this paper was to determine the amount and types of heavy metal pollutants associated with the quarrying and also identify the probable adverse effects they have on human health and the environment. About 30 quarry dust samples were collected from two sampling sites between August and November, 2011 for analysis using AAS. Evaluation using SPSS 17.0 statistical programme revealed appreciable amounts of As, Hg, Mn, Cu Zn and Pb and Fe which differ from one site to another. AAS analysis revealed relatively higher concentrations of As, Ag, Cu and Zn in both primary and secondary quarry dust than dust away from the site. However, concentrations of Mn, Fe and Pb were higher in secondary quarry dust and dust away from the primary site. Heavy metal pollution of the Asonomaso environ attributable to the quarry is thus significant and its repercussions on the health of the residents must be seriously looked at. You
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 07, 2015
