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Samlafo, B.V (2018). Assessment of Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Mercury levels in Earthenware Clay Deposits at Mankessim, in Mfantsiman District, Ghana. Chemical Science Transactions, 7,
Abstract
This study assessed the suitability of Mankessim clay deposits as the raw material for earthenware products in terms of toxic metal levels such as Hg, Pb and Cd and As, which impact on human health. Atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) technique was used to determine the levels of the toxic metals in the samples. The mean levels of Hg, Pb and Cd, were within the safe limit levels. Cadmium was however below the method’s detection limit at four sites. The mean Arsenic level was generally very high; however, this level was lower than the levels reported in some geophagy clays which were eaten directly. The precision and the accuracy of the analytical method (AAS) were evaluated by the use of standard reference material IAEA-Soil-7. The values obtained for the various elements in soil-7 compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman’s correlation coefficient was +0.94. The experimental values were within ±6% of the recommended value. The measurement precision defined by the relative standard deviation was within +5%. Arsenic was found to be generally high in the study site. Potters need to find ways of reducing arsenic levels before using the raw material for any product that comes into contact with food. Keywords: Mankessim, Earthenware, Clay, Toxic metals, Geophagy, Pottery
This study assessed the suitability of Mankessim clay deposits as the raw material for earthenware products in terms of toxic metal levels such as Hg, Pb and Cd and As, which impact on human health. Atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) technique was used to determine the levels of the toxic metals in the samples. The mean levels of Hg, Pb and Cd, were within the safe limit levels. Cadmium was however below the method’s detection limit at four sites. The mean Arsenic level was generally very high; however, this level was lower than the levels reported in some geophagy clays which were eaten directly. The precision and the accuracy of the analytical method (AAS) were evaluated by the use of standard reference material IAEA-Soil-7. The values obtained for the various elements in soil-7 compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman’s correlation coefficient was +0.94. The experimental values were within ±6% of the recommended value. The measurement precision defined by the relative standard deviation was within +5%. Arsenic was found to be generally high in the study site. Potters need to find ways of reducing arsenic levels before using the raw material for any product that comes into contact with food. Keywords: Mankessim, Earthenware, Clay, Toxic metals, Geophagy, Pottery
Samlafo, B.V, Bobobee, L.H, Quarshie, E , Sarsah, L.A and Kaka, E.A
2nd World International conference on Industrial Chemistry and Water Treatment. Las Vegas, USA 22nd -23rd, May, 2017
Paper presented:
Quality assessment of groundwater from Avenorfeme: Akatsi District, Ghana
Abstract
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of the groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Keywords: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
A holistic assessment of the quality of groundwater from the shallow unconfined aquifers of the Avenorfeme and surrounding villages in the Akatsi South District in the Volta Region of Ghana has been conducted. A groundwater classification scheme has been developed for groundwater in the area using a robust water quality index (WQI) modified for the case of the study area. For calculating the WQI, pH, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, total dissolved solids, and fluorides have been considered. On the basis of the WQI so computed, groundwater fell within the ‘Excellent”, “Good”, “Poor” and “unsuitable for drinking” categories. This study finds that the salinity of the groundwater in the area is largely attributed to mineral weathering leading to evolution of predominantly intermediate to high salinity Na-Cl water types. On account of salinity hazard, most of the waters are not suitable for irrigation in the area. Based on total hardness, the groundwater in the area is permanently hard. Keywords: Groundwater, Akatsi district, Volta, Water Quality Index, SAR
Samlafo, B.V and Ofoe, E.O (2017). Water quality Assessment of River Bonsa in Tarkwa, a Mining-impacted Area of Ghana. Chemical Science International Journal, 20,
Abstract
The suitability of River Bonsa for drinking, without any chemical treatment was assessed using a developed and robust water quality index (WQI), with modification for the river under study. In evaluating WQI, nine parameters in water quality, which were harmful to human health were considered. They were pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, chlorides, sulphates and nitrates. On the basis of the computed WQI (55.054), River Bonsa fell within the poor for drinking water category. Hence the water needs to be treated before it can be drunk directly. Intensive education on water-related diseases is also needed to inform the inhabitants living along the river bank, who use the water from the river directly without any chemical treatment. Keywords: River Bonsai; illegal mining; water quality index; Tarkwa; heavy metals
The suitability of River Bonsa for drinking, without any chemical treatment was assessed using a developed and robust water quality index (WQI), with modification for the river under study. In evaluating WQI, nine parameters in water quality, which were harmful to human health were considered. They were pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, chlorides, sulphates and nitrates. On the basis of the computed WQI (55.054), River Bonsa fell within the poor for drinking water category. Hence the water needs to be treated before it can be drunk directly. Intensive education on water-related diseases is also needed to inform the inhabitants living along the river bank, who use the water from the river directly without any chemical treatment. Keywords: River Bonsai; illegal mining; water quality index; Tarkwa; heavy metals
Sam, E. F. & Glozah, F. N.
2017 Ghana Geographers’ Association Conference. Ho, Ghana 3-5 August 2017
Paper presented:
Age, sex and socio-economic status do not moderate the relation between knowledge of safe road practices and attitude towards safe road practices in Ghanaian school children
Abstract
Children, especially those attending school, take high risks in traffic, particularly in relation to their regular interaction with the road environment. It is known that age, sex, and socio-economic circumstances of school children influence the relationship between their knowledge and attitude towards safe road practices, although this has not been explored among Ghanaian school children. The aim of this study was to examine the role of age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) in the relationship between knowledge and attitude of safe road practices among Ghanaian school children. A random sample of 348 school children was drawn from 11 schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that age, sex and SES do not moderate the relation between knowledge of and attitude towards safe road practices. This result thus suggests that child traffic safety interventions and campaigns based on age, sex and SES may not be enough to guide children’s behaviour; likewise their knowledge and attitude. The study maintained that interventions targeted at the safety of the child-pedestrian especially in developing countries should go beyond educating them to acquire good knowledge and positive attitude of safe road practices to providing a safer environment that prioritises their needs, accommodates their curiosity and errors in traffic and enhances safer walking.
Children, especially those attending school, take high risks in traffic, particularly in relation to their regular interaction with the road environment. It is known that age, sex, and socio-economic circumstances of school children influence the relationship between their knowledge and attitude towards safe road practices, although this has not been explored among Ghanaian school children. The aim of this study was to examine the role of age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) in the relationship between knowledge and attitude of safe road practices among Ghanaian school children. A random sample of 348 school children was drawn from 11 schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that age, sex and SES do not moderate the relation between knowledge of and attitude towards safe road practices. This result thus suggests that child traffic safety interventions and campaigns based on age, sex and SES may not be enough to guide children’s behaviour; likewise their knowledge and attitude. The study maintained that interventions targeted at the safety of the child-pedestrian especially in developing countries should go beyond educating them to acquire good knowledge and positive attitude of safe road practices to providing a safer environment that prioritises their needs, accommodates their curiosity and errors in traffic and enhances safer walking.
Samlafo, B.V (2017). Comparative Analysis of Leachable Heavy Metals in Earthenware Clay Deposits in the Central and Volta Regions of Ghana. American Journal of Chemistry, 7,
Abstract
Abstract This paper, sought to compare and contrast the potential leachable heavy metals in earthenware clay deposits in the Central and Volta regions of Ghana, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The study also tried to establish the suitability of which clay deposit is the ideal raw material for earthenware products used as food wares, based on toxic heavy metal and micronutrient/essential metal levels. The toxic metals determined were Pb, As, Hg, and Cd, while the micronutrients/essential elements examined were Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe. The results showed that, apart from Hg and Cr, there was no statistical difference in heavy metal levels in the two regions. Earthenware clay deposits in the two regions were found to be suitable raw materials for food ware products based on their heavy metal levels. The reproducibility of the analytical method was assessed by analysis of the standard reference material IAEA soil-7. The values obtained, compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman correlation coefficient was +0.96%. The experimental values were within ± 4% of the recommended values. The measurement precision specified by the relative standard deviation was within ± 5%. The error margins are standard deviations. A two-tailed student’s t-test was used to establish any statistical differences between the mean concentrations of the two earthenware clay deposits. The level of probability at which significant differences existed between the deposits was set at p< 0.05 at 95% confidence level. In general, the two clay deposits were found to be suitable sources of raw materials for food ware products. Keywords Heavy metals, Essential elements, Clay, Earthenware, Central region, Volta region
Abstract This paper, sought to compare and contrast the potential leachable heavy metals in earthenware clay deposits in the Central and Volta regions of Ghana, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The study also tried to establish the suitability of which clay deposit is the ideal raw material for earthenware products used as food wares, based on toxic heavy metal and micronutrient/essential metal levels. The toxic metals determined were Pb, As, Hg, and Cd, while the micronutrients/essential elements examined were Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe. The results showed that, apart from Hg and Cr, there was no statistical difference in heavy metal levels in the two regions. Earthenware clay deposits in the two regions were found to be suitable raw materials for food ware products based on their heavy metal levels. The reproducibility of the analytical method was assessed by analysis of the standard reference material IAEA soil-7. The values obtained, compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman correlation coefficient was +0.96%. The experimental values were within ± 4% of the recommended values. The measurement precision specified by the relative standard deviation was within ± 5%. The error margins are standard deviations. A two-tailed student’s t-test was used to establish any statistical differences between the mean concentrations of the two earthenware clay deposits. The level of probability at which significant differences existed between the deposits was set at p< 0.05 at 95% confidence level. In general, the two clay deposits were found to be suitable sources of raw materials for food ware products. Keywords Heavy metals, Essential elements, Clay, Earthenware, Central region, Volta region
Kemevor, A. K. & Essuman, J., (2016). Nation Building; the Role of Photography..
Abstract
Essuman, J. & Kemevor, A. K., (2013). Encyclo Photographic Terminologies.
Abstract
Essuman, J., deGraft-Yanson, P. & Acquah, M., (2017). Photography Essentials.
Abstract
Yorke, J. O., deGraft-Yankson, P., Essuman, J. & Amissah, E. K. (2017). Ghana’s Presidential Seats and Sword of State: Aesthetic Manifestation of Kwame Nkrumah’s Cultural Policy on Ghana’s Political Culture. Journal of Literature and Art Studies, 7,
Abstract
This study explores the aesthetic dimensions of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies in the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword. The study is an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study examined how the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword were influenced by Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and the cultural significance of the aesthetic interplay of ethnic insignias used in capturing the Ghanaian concept of Political authority. The study revealed that, Nkrumah recognised the cultural art forms and elements of ethnic Ghana as assets for national development. In line with his policy of building the Nation State of Ghana, he used ethnic cultural art forms and elements. At independence, Nkrumah commissioned some visual artist to create some artistic pieces (politico-cultural artefacts) for the Ghanaian political authority with inspiration or based on what pertains in the traditional authority (Chieftaincy) of Ghana. Politico-cultural artefacts as used in this study refer to the artefacts produced based on the cultural concepts of the ethnic states for the use of the political authority of the Republic of Ghana. Among these artistic pieces are the three Presidential Seats, The State Sword, The President’s Personal Standard Pole and the State Mace. Keywords: Adinkra, Presidential Seats, State Sword, politico-cultural artefacts, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies
This study explores the aesthetic dimensions of Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies in the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword. The study is an Art Historical research situated within the qualitative research paradigm. It had a population of a defined class of cultural policy makers, art historians, traditional rulers, nationalists, visual artists and Ghanaians resident both in and outside Ghana. The study examined how the creation of Ghana’s Presidential Seats and the State Sword were influenced by Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies and the cultural significance of the aesthetic interplay of ethnic insignias used in capturing the Ghanaian concept of Political authority. The study revealed that, Nkrumah recognised the cultural art forms and elements of ethnic Ghana as assets for national development. In line with his policy of building the Nation State of Ghana, he used ethnic cultural art forms and elements. At independence, Nkrumah commissioned some visual artist to create some artistic pieces (politico-cultural artefacts) for the Ghanaian political authority with inspiration or based on what pertains in the traditional authority (Chieftaincy) of Ghana. Politico-cultural artefacts as used in this study refer to the artefacts produced based on the cultural concepts of the ethnic states for the use of the political authority of the Republic of Ghana. Among these artistic pieces are the three Presidential Seats, The State Sword, The President’s Personal Standard Pole and the State Mace. Keywords: Adinkra, Presidential Seats, State Sword, politico-cultural artefacts, Kwame Nkrumah’s cultural policies
Kemevor, A. K. & Essuman, J. (2017). The Institutionalization of Photographic Industry and the Society. The Journal of Social Sciences Research, 3,
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to highlight on photography as an excellent art work. This article on photography is based on the authenticity and social influence of the photographer. In discussing the paper, some attempts have been made to examine the nature and dynamics of photography, as well as the appreciation of photographs as a human achievement. There is also a general overview on photography in Ghana, outlining in particular the visual aesthetics of the photographic industry, and the specialized fields that exist. The paper concludes that the use of technological photography in teaching at all levels should be encouraged. It is when we add our personal vision to the technology of photography then we cross that line from mere reproduction to transformation. With this shift from science to art, we begin speaking with a vocabulary of aesthetics. Keywords: Photography; Camera; Visual elements; Creativity; Communication.
The purpose of this article is to highlight on photography as an excellent art work. This article on photography is based on the authenticity and social influence of the photographer. In discussing the paper, some attempts have been made to examine the nature and dynamics of photography, as well as the appreciation of photographs as a human achievement. There is also a general overview on photography in Ghana, outlining in particular the visual aesthetics of the photographic industry, and the specialized fields that exist. The paper concludes that the use of technological photography in teaching at all levels should be encouraged. It is when we add our personal vision to the technology of photography then we cross that line from mere reproduction to transformation. With this shift from science to art, we begin speaking with a vocabulary of aesthetics. Keywords: Photography; Camera; Visual elements; Creativity; Communication.
