We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Groundwater quality and associated health risks in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Summary
Researchers assessed groundwater quality across 136 boreholes in eastern Ghana and found that about 32% had poor to unsafe water quality, with contamination from iron, manganese, fluoride, and nitrates. While not focused on microplastics specifically, the study reveals that groundwater relied on by millions of people in developing regions faces multiple contamination threats. These findings connect to microplastics research because plastic particles in soil can also leach into groundwater supplies.
In the Eastern Region of Ghana, 95 % of residents have access to boreholes. However, approximately 30 % of these boreholes are characterized by unpleasurable taste, odour, oily scum and particulate matter. Thus, this study aimed to assess water quality, predict the sources of groundwater contaminants, evaluate the human health risk and to generate spatial distribution and health risk maps. In achieving this, the water quality of 136 boreholes in the region was evaluated through Water Quality Index (WQI) and Groundwater Pollution Index (GPI) analyses. Multivariate statistical procedures, namely, principal component and correlation analyses were employed to define the major groundwater pollutants and their possible sources. Non-carcinogenic health risk to infants, children and adults through nitrates, iron, manganese and fluorides ingestion was also assessed. The results revealed that groundwater in the region is generally slightly acidic with a mean pH of 6.30. WQI analysis grouped 68 % of the groundwater samples under the 'excellent' and 'good' water types with the remaining percent categorized under 'poor', 'very poor' and 'unsafe' drinking water types. GPI analysis classified 95 %, 2.21 % and 2.79 % of the boreholes as 'insignificant', 'low' and 'highly' polluted zones. From the multivariate analyses, the dominant pollutants were iron, manganese, chlorides, sodium, fluorides, potassium, turbidity, total suspended and dissolved solids, hardness, alkalinity, sulphates, nitrates and phosphates. The sources of these contaminants are primarily from rock-water interactions and fertilizers. Health risk assessment for nitrates, fluorides, iron and manganese ingestion revealed that 23, 17 and 15 boreholes in the region are likely to pose non-carcinogenic health risk to infants, children and adults respectively. Health risk maps indicated that the most vulnerable districts were Atiwa East, Fanteakwa North, Achiase, Birim South, Akwapim, Suhum and Ayensuano. From these findings, it is imperative that appropriate groundwater remediation measures are implemented in the region to protect public health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Hydrogeochemistry and Health Risks Assessment of Some Groundwaters Suitability for Drinking Within the Urban Region of Unguja Island, Zanzibar
Researchers assessed groundwater quality and health risks in Zanzibar, finding contamination from nitrates, heavy metals, and microbial sources in wells used for drinking. While focused on chemical and microbial contaminants, groundwater in coastal regions is increasingly being assessed for microplastic contamination as well.
Contamination, morphological and chemical characterization, and hazard risk analyses of microplastics in drinking water sourced from groundwater in a developing nation
Researchers analyzed groundwater from six coastal districts in a developing nation and found widespread microplastic contamination, with fibers and fragments of polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common types. Since groundwater is the primary drinking water source in many developing countries, this contamination represents a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion by millions of people.
Drinking plastic: a study of microplastic concentrations in drinking water from rural and urban sources in Mali, Africa
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in drinking water from rural and urban sources in Mali, Africa, finding microplastics in all samples and identifying higher concentrations in urban supplies, with implications for human health in a region with limited water treatment infrastructure.
Abundance, characterization, and health risk evaluation of microplastics in borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
Researchers analyzed borehole water samples from multiple locations in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, and found microplastics present in all samples tested. The contamination included fibers and fragments of various polymer types, with concentrations varying by sampling location. The findings raise health concerns about groundwater quality in the region and suggest that microplastic contamination of drinking water sources may be more widespread than currently recognized in West Africa.
Assessing microplastic contamination in drinking water: implications for vulnerable populations in Tema, Ghana
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in tap water and sachet water at eight institutions in two communities, measuring fiber, bead, fragment, and film types. MPs were detected in all sample types, with sachet water showing higher contamination in some locations, raising equity concerns about water safety for populations dependent on packaged water.