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Influence of mining related activities on levels of mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano River basins in South Western Ghana

Background Mercury (Hg) used in gold amalgamation is a major source of contamination in developing countries. The present study evaluates the concentrations of total mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano Rivers, which drain the major gold mining areas in Ghana. Total mercury...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental systems research 2016-02, Vol.5 (1), p.1-11, Article 5
Main Authors: Asare-Donkor, Noah Kyame, Adimado, Anthony Apeke
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Background Mercury (Hg) used in gold amalgamation is a major source of contamination in developing countries. The present study evaluates the concentrations of total mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano Rivers, which drain the major gold mining areas in Ghana. Total mercury (T-Hg) analysis was carried out using an atomic absorption spectroscopy (Perkin Elmer model 5100PC) equipped with a flow injection analysis system (FIAS, AS-90). Results Water, sediment and fish T-Hg concentrations were 0.145–1.078 μg/L, 23.39–73.31, and 0.03–0.443 μg/g dw, respectively in Ankobra basin, while in Tano basin levels of 0.214–0.250 μg/L, 14.43–21.51, 0.068–0.413 μg/g were found for water, sediment and fish, respectively. The T-Hg concentration in water from both basins were within the World Health Organization threshold limits for drinking water except at River Asuo Kofi. Concentration of T-Hg in the sediment exceeded Environmental Protection Agency ecotoxicological threshold in some sampling stations, suggesting potential adverse ecological effects. T-Hg levels in fish from both basins were lower than the WHO value (
ISSN:2193-2697
2193-2697
DOI:10.1186/s40068-016-0055-4