The accumulation of radioactive dust poses potential health hazards due to prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces such as classrooms. This research investigated the distribution and radiological health hazards associated with terrestrial natural radionuclides in dust samples obtained from educational institutions in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. Twenty dust samples were obtained from classrooms across four districts: Ejura, Jamasi, Mampong, and Nsuta, and the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were quantified using high-purity germanium gamma spectrometry. The findings revealed significant variations in radionuclide concentrations across study locations. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra and 40K were below the global average, while 232Th concentrations exceeded international benchmarks in certain schools. Notably, classrooms in Mampong and Nsuta recorded elevated levels of radionuclides compared to those in Ejura and Jamasi, indicating spatial variations in potential exposure risks. Radiological hazard indices such as the radium equivalent activity (Raeq), and the external (Hex) and internal (Hin) hazard indices were below the recommended safety threshold, indicating minimal immediate risk. However, Absorbed Gamma Dose Rate (AGDR) values ranged from 26.64 to 73.35 nGy h−1, with approximately 45

Heavy metals pose significant environmental concerns due to the threats they pose to ecosystems and human health. This study assessed heavy metal pollution in riverine sediments of Kumasi and evaluated associated human health risks. Sediment samples (n = 41) were analyzed for Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, As, Cu, Ni, and Fe using portable X-ray fluorescence and mercury analyzer techniques, alongside measurements of pH, electrical conductivity, and total organic carbon. Pollution indices, including the geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, enrichment factor, and pollution load index (PLI), were computed. Mean concentrations of most metals were below Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) thresholds; however, cadmium exceeded the Severe Effect Level in some samples (max = 11.42 mg/kg), and arsenic exceeded the Probable Effect Level at hotspots (max = 16.22 mg/kg). The PLI value of 1.397 indicates moderate contamination. Continuous exposure can pose ecological and human health risks, particularly in areas enriched with cadmium and arsenic. Targeted monitoring and risk mitigation are recommended.

Despite the growing concern for food safety and environmental conservation, empirical studies on public awareness and perception concerning heavy metal poisoning are limited. This study examines the awareness, perceptions, and factors influencing awareness of heavy metal contamination in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) among farmers and consumers in Ghana. Using data collected by multistage sampling from 275 rice farmers and 185 consumers in three municipalities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, the study employed perception indices and ordered logit regression models in the analyses. Results indicate significant demographic differences between farmers and consumers, with low and moderate awareness of heavy metal contamination issues among farmers and consumers, respectively. Both groups expressed strong concern about the existence of heavy metals in agrochemicals, including bioaccumulation, long‐term health risks, and environmental pollution. Factors influencing awareness levels for farmers included age, education, credit access, participation in farmer‐based organizations, rice consumption frequency, extent of agrochemical usage, and training in handling agrochemicals. For the consumers, major factors influencing awareness levels were age, education, rice preference, consumption frequency, and household size. The study recommends the implementation of comprehensive educational programs, enhancing access to resources for farmers, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to address the challenges of heavy metal contamination in rice production and consumption. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to improve food safety and sustainability in the rice sector in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Globally, elevated environmental mercury levels have been linked to artisanal and small-scale gold mining; however, investigations into mining communities often overlook other potential sources and their contributions to soil mercury accumulation. This study explored the positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor model to identify other possible sources of mercury contamination in two major mining communities (Kenyasi and Obuasi) and a commercial city (Sunyani) in Ghana. The mercury concentrations across the three study areas showed no significant differences (p = 0.257 at the 95% confidence level). The PMF model identified mining as the major contributor to mercury accumulation in Obuasi and Kenyasi, with other activities, such as farming, also contributing substantially. The generation and burning of hazardous waste in the Sunyani municipality due to increased commercial activities have contributed significantly to mercury contamination. Although the hazard quotient indicated no adverse health effects in the study areas (hazard quotient < 1), the pollution and ecological risk indices showed that Obuasi was significantly enriched with mercury, with considerable levels found in Kenyasi and Sunyani. The results from this study will serve as a good database for environmental studies on mercury particularly in Kenyasi and Sunyani, where there has not been any extensive research on mercury contamination.

Forty-seven samples collected from 23 creeks in Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada were analyzed to assess how different land use activities affect physicochemical properties in surface water and metal concentrations in sediments. The pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) in surface water samples ranged from 5.50 to 8.27, 14.0 to 410.0 ppm, and 19.0 to 903.0 µS/cm, respectively, with no discernible relationship between the surrounding land use and the parameters. However, land use influenced metal concentrations in the sediments with As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ag, and Zn at some locations exceeding the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). The enrichment factor (EF) value, geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI) and concentration factor (CF) indicates most of the sediments are highly contaminated. The geo-accumulation index showed the study area contained extremely contaminated sediment and >64-fold increase due to high levels of Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. The calculated contamination factors are found to fall in the following sequences: Cd>Ag>As>Pb>Zn>Mn>Cu>Ba>Cr>Ni>V>Fe>Hg in the study area. Creeks closer to highways with heavy vehicular activities reported significantly higher concentrations of metals. Principal component and cluster analyses revealed anthropogenic and natural processes enrich the sediments with metals. It is therefore important to put measures in place to curb increase in metal concentrations in creek sediments.

Anthropogenic activities such as mining generate a large quantity of waste containing potentially toxic elements that could adversely affect the ecosystem This study investigated the health hazards linked to exposure to potentially harmful elements through the ingestion of food crops and water in certain mining regions of Ghana. The mean levels of Hg and Pb in water and As, Cd, and Cr in soils exceeded their standard regulatory limits, indicating contamination. The hazard indices for the metals in the root tubers exceeded one, implying that the metals could affect the consumers' health. Drinking water poses minor non-cancer risks to both adults and children. However, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb may provide carcinogenic concerns. All sample sites have levels of these pollutants that surpass the 10-4 threshold, indicating a lifetime risk of developing cancer. This shows that heavy metal contamination by eating root tubers and drinking water poses a risk to the community.

Food safety, a critical aspect of sustainable global development, is threatened by metal contamination in crops, particularly rice, which imperils food security and human health. This research investigated the concentrations, bioaccessibility, and associated human health risks of metals in rice from six paddy fields in Ghana's semi-deciduous forest zone. The concentrations of potentially toxic metals in soils and rice grains were analysed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Potentially toxic elements, (PTEs) concentrations in soil samples ranged from: arsenic < 1.33 – 766 mg/kg; chromium < 5.22 – 418 mg/kg; copper < 5.72 – 1390 mg/kg, Pb < 1.84 – 7.04 mg/kg, and Zn 8.67 – 633 mg/kg while cadmium, mercury and nickel were mostly below detection. Soil pollution indices revealed low contamination in chromium, copper, lead, and zinc and considerable contamination in arsenic. Elevated metal levels may be attributed to the use of agrochemicals and mine-impacted water for irrigation. The mean concentrations of arsenic and lead in rice grains exceeded the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius standards (0.20 mg/kg). Bioaccumulation and translocation factors showed low metal accumulation in rice, except for Zn. The human health risk assessment, incorporating bioaccessibility data, indicated a hazard index of less than 1 for all metals, suggesting minimal potential non-carcinogenic risks to the population from consuming rice from these areas. A comprehensive education program on the use of agrochemicals and sustainable irrigation practices that avoid the use of mining-impacted water is suggested to reduce metal contamination in paddy soils and subsequent transfer into rice grains.

In this study, we employed the positive matrix factorization receptor model to ascertain whether the prevalence of potentially toxic elements in surface soils of two mining communities in Ghana is exclusive to mining. At the two mining communities (Kenyasi and Obuasi), 49 samples were taken at each location, whereas 90 soil samples were collected from Sunyani, the non-mining community. All the soil samples were screened for elemental concentrations using the Niton XL3t GOLDD+ field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The positive matrix factorization model was set to three factors in the base model for the analyses, and the receptor model revealed three major contributing factors to the metal pollution in the study areas. Although mining activities contributed to As, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb in Kenyasi, a typical mining community, farming activities also contributed significantly to the presence of Zn and Cd in the surface soils. At Obuasi, construction works and geogenic factors were responsible for the enrichment of Cr and Cu in the surface soils, farming activities accounted for the Mn, Pb, and Zn contamination, and As, Cd, and Ni contamination by mining activities. In Sunyani, the non-mining community, the model revealed that the contamination of the soil by Cd, Mn, Ni, and Pb was primarily from multiple sources, such as the mass burning of wastes, farming, and construction works within the municipality. The prevalence of Zn in the municipality was attributed to natural origin since the pollution indices showed low contamination of the metal. This study will serve as a scientific reference for the holistic mitigation of soil heavy metal contamination in the study areas.

Biochar is a stabilised, carbon-rich material created when biomass is heated to temperatures usually between 450 and 550 °C, under low-oxygen concentrations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sawdust, cocoa pod ash and rice husk biochars in remediating metal-contaminated paddy soil in Nobewam, Ghana. Biochar was applied 21 days before cultivating the rice for 120 days, followed by soil sampling and rice harvesting for metals and physicochemical analyses. Compared to the untreated soils, biochar treatments exhibited an enhancement in soil quality, characterised by an increase in pH of 1.01–1.20 units, an increase in available phosphorus (P) concentration of 6.76–13.05 mg/kg soil and an increase in soil total nitrogen (N), and organic carbon (OC) concentration, ranging from 0.02% to 0.12%. Variabilities in electrical conductivity and effective cation exchange capacity were observed among the treated soils. Concentrations of potentially toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead and zinc) in paddy soils and rice analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the sampled soils. The concentrations of arsenic and lead in all soil samples exceeded the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment soil quality guideline for agricultural soils, with untreated soils having the highest levels among all the soils. Cadmium had a potential ecological risk index > 2000 and a geoaccumulation index above 5, indicating pollution in all samples. In contrast, arsenic and mercury contamination were only found in the untreated soils. Among the tested treatments, rice husk and its combinations, particularly with cocoa pod ash, showed significant efficacy in reducing metal concentrations in the soils. The potential non-carcinogenic human health risks associated with the consumption of rice grown in biochar-treated soils were lower for all the metals compared to the control samples. Future research should focus on long-term field studies to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms governing metal immobilization in paddy fields.

Using a sequential extraction scheme, this study investigated the fractions of metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn, in soils from two mining areas (Amansie and Konongo) and a non-mining community (Mampong) in Ghana. The elements were fractionated into exchangeable, carbonate-bound, reducible, oxidizable, and residual forms to assess their mobility and bioavailability. The results showed that Cd, Hg, and Zn had the highest proportions in the mobile fractions (exchangeable and acid-soluble), with Cd in Amansie soil exhibiting 40.67

The presence of metals in milled shrimps sold on some major markets in Kumasi were investigated to ascertain their levels and the potential health risk they may pose to humans when ingested, due to the level of pollution in the marine environment where these shrimps are obtained from. The samples, which comprised of 30 composites, were analysed using x-ray florescence spectrometry and found to contain Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mo, Ca, Zn, As, Sr, and Zr with average concentrations of 4.09 mg kg− 1, 5.17 mg kg− 1, 25.14 mg kg− 1, 351.47 mg kg− 1, 9050.74 mg kg− 1, 4.08 mg kg− 1, 21984.48 mg kg− 1, 696.89 mg kg− 1, 8.99 mg kg− 1, 328.54 mg kg− 1, and 9.86 mg kg− 1 respectively. Non-carcinogenic risk indicators analysed suggested a likelihood of health hazard when the milled shrimps are ingested, particularly concerning is the levels of arsenic determined. The arsenic may, however, be in organic form which will make it less of a concern. The levels of the metals could not be linked statistically to the milling process after comparing them to procured controls, which may suggest that these metals may have been picked up in the aquatic environment and/or prior to milling. There is a need, therefore, for action to reduce pollution and remediate the aquatic environment.

In Ghana, widespread backyard farming on arable land with refuse waste is driven by the enriched physicochemical properties of dumpsite soils, supporting crop growth. However, the enhanced levels of heavy metals have raised concerns among policymakers focusing on the environmental challenges posed by dumpsites soil. The purpose of the study was to assess the awareness of dumpsites farmers on soil physicochemical properties and dangers posed by accumulated toxic heavy metals. A total of 100 vegetable farmers were interviewed in three communities to gauge their awareness of dumpsite soil properties and potential contamination. A semi-structured questionnaire was purposively used to solicit for information from farmers. Chi-square (χ2) test of homogeneity was used to ascertain if there was any uniformity among respondents in the different communities studied. The findings showed that the level of education of the famers had no relationship (p = 0.21) with farmers’ educational level. Dumpsites farmers’ knowledge on soil physicochemical properties had a significant (p = 0.02) relationship with farmers' awareness of toxic elements in dumpsites. Farmers’ soil physicochemical knowledge further had a significant (p = 0.03) relationship with their awareness that, plants on dumpsites absorb toxic elements. Furthermore, ailments commonly associated with heavy metals as reported by farmers included skin rashes, cough, diarrhoea, and cholera. It can be concluded that although dumpsite farmers exhibit some awareness about the physicochemical properties of their soil and the risks associated with toxic heavy metals, there is still room for improvement. Despite education levels not significantly impacting awareness, targeted intervention programs are necessary to enhance understanding and address this pressing issue effectively. We recommend an implementation of a tailored educational programs for dumpsite farmers to enhance understanding of soil properties and heavy metal risks. There should be improved access to soil testing and interpretation to enable informed decision-making among farmers. Foster collaborations among stakeholders for sustainable waste management, soil remediation, and health monitoring to mitigate heavy metal contamination are also recommended.

In this study, we assessed the suitability of using a standard reference material (SRM) other than National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 2710a or NIST 2711a in USEPA Method 1340 to determine arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) and the capabilities of Canadian-based laboratories to perform the method. Five laboratories participated in an initial round robin study and analyzed NIST 2710a, NIST 2711a, BGS119, and Enviromat SS-2. Intra- and inter-laboratory variability were generally acceptable with percentage relative standard deviations (RSD) of less than 20%. The mean total As and Pb concentrations obtained for BGS119 (332 and 936 mg/kg, respectively) and the mean IVBA values (As = 14.3% and Pb = 78.1%) suggested it may be a suitable and acceptable SRM, whereas the concentration of As in Enviromat SS-2 as received (3.2 mg/kg) was deemed too low. Ten soil samples from sites with varying land use were analyzed in a follow-up round robin study using the modified IVBA method that included BGS119 as SRM. The concentrations of As and Pb in the IVBA extracts reported by the participating laboratories were comparable. The mean As IVBA values for the field-collected samples ranged from 0.1% to 56.4%; for Pb, they ranged from 7.0% to 121%. The lowest IVBA values were measured in mine site samples; the highest values were associated with smelter-affected soils. The low IVBA values correlated with high iron content. Intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility were acceptable (RSD < 30%). Based on the findings of the study, laboratories can use the modified method to provide reproducible and comparable As and Pb IVBA data. The use of BGS119 as an alternative SRM to assess contaminated sites in the province of British Columbia for regulatory purposes is recommended, as it is representative of As and Pb concentrations in contaminated soils in British Columbia. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1486-1495. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Cocoa-growing areas in Ghana have experienced a rise in mining activities affecting cocoa cultivation and increased concentrations of potentially toxic metals in the soil, which can accumulate in cocoa beans. This study evaluated potential toxic metal contamination in cocoa beans and soils from cocoa farms in mining and non-mining areas in Ghana. We used X-ray fluorescence and an ICP-MS to determine metal concentrations, and a Zeeman mercury analyzer to determine mercury. The farm soils exhibited a pH range of 4.08 – 6.86, electrical conductivity between 29.16 and 870.50 μS/cm, and soil organic matter content ranging from 4.78 to 7.38

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in water, soil, cassava, cocoyam and yam grown in two mining districts and a non-mining district in Ghana were determined using a high-resolution gamma spectroscopy system with high-purity germanium detector. The estimated absorbed dose for soil from Amansie, Konongo, and Mampong were 206 nGy/h, 224 nGy/h and 198 nGy/h, respectively, which were all above 60 nGy/h set by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. The soil-to-plant transfer factors (TF) for 2³⁸U, 2³2Th, and ⁴⁰K ranged from 0.11 to 1.11, 0.03 to 2.39, and 0.03 to 22.07, respectively. The results showed that the highest TF for 238U and 232Th were 1.11 and 2.39, respectively in cassava. There was no significant variation in the TF of 238U and 232Th among the soils in the different communities. The estimated transfer factors for 238U and 232Th for cassava, cocoyam and yam were higher than that reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

This study investigated the human health risks associated with exposure to potentially toxic metals, including arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc, at select parks in Eastern Canadian cities. Except for arsenic in Halifax, the mean metal concentrations in the cities, including Saint John, Fredericton, Ottawa, Toronto, London, Windsor, Woodstock, Kitchener, Guelph, Chatham, and Montreal, were below the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment soil quality guideline for parkland use. Metal distribution reflected either the regional natural-occurring concentrations or anthropogenic sources such as industrial activities, historical land use, and heavy traffic corridors. In vitro bioaccessibility values were variable and in the order chromium < nickel < cobalt < arsenic < zinc < copper < lead < cadmium. The risk associated with incidental soil ingestion for children, incorporating bioaccessibility, indicated unacceptable levels of non-carcinogenic effects for 6 out of the 101 samples analyzed. For adults, unacceptable non-carcinogenic effects were noted for only one sample. Lead was the leading contributor to the non-carcinogenic risk. Carcinogenic risk for arsenic was limited to two samples. The overall risks associated with exposure to metals in soils in most of the parks studied were deemed low except for arsenic and lead at a few parks.

Potential toxic elements emanating from extracted ores during gold processing present occupational and unintentional health hazards in communities, the general populace, and the environment. This study investigated the concentrations and potential health effects of metal content in the topsoils of Obuasi municipality, which has been mined for gold over the past century. Surface topsoil samples, sieved to 250 µm, were initially scanned for metals using x-ray fluorescence techniques, followed by confirmation via ICP-MS. In vitro bioaccessibility assays were conducted using standard methods. The geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) indicate high enrichment of As (Igeo = 6.28) and Cd (Igeo = 3.80) in the soils, especially in the eastern part of the municipality where illegal artisanal mining is prevalent. Additionally, the southern corridor, situated near a gold mine, exhibited significant levels of As and Mn. Results obtained for the total metal concentrations and contamination indices confirmed the elevation of the studied potential toxic elements in the Obuasi community. A hazard index value of 4.42 and 3.30 among children and adults, respectively, indicates that indigens, especially children, are susceptible to non-cancer health effects.

The use of smokeless tobacco has increased, particularly among Ghana's youth, due in part to perceived medicinal benefits and the belief that it is less harmful and non-addictive. In response to this trend, we systematically classified 51 different tobacco products based on their potential toxicity as determined by potentially toxic elements, addiction potential, and nicotine delivery capability. Moisture, pH, and percentage-free base nicotine were measured using certified methods. X-ray fluorescence techniques were used to determine tobacco products' concentrations of target elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Rb, Sr, Mo, V, S, U, Zr, Tl, and Zn). Locally produced snuff products had the highest nicotine delivery capacity, with a pH of 9.73 and 96.98

Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana, was a center for informal e-waste recycling until it was closed recently. This study investigated the potential health risks of toxic metals (including As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) found in the surface soils based on their concentrations and in vitro bioaccessibility. Mean concentrations at the burning sites were As: 218; Cd: 65; Cr: 182; Cu: 15,841; Ni: 145; Pb: 6,106; Sb: 552; and Zn: 16,065 mg/kg while the dismantling sites had mean concentrations of As: 23; Cd: 38; Cr: 342; Cu: 3239; Ni: 96; Pb: 681; Sb: 104; and Zn: 1658 mg/kg. The findings confirmed the enrichment of potentially toxic metals at the dismantling and burning sites, exceeding international environmental soil quality guidelines. Based on the total metal concentrations, bioaccessibility, and calculated risk indices, the risks associated with incidental ingestion of soil-borne metal contaminants at the dismantling and burning sites were very high. Despite evidence of higher metal concentrations in the communities near the burning and dismantling sites, the human health risk associated with soil ingestion was significantly lower in the surrounding neighborhood.

The concentration and bioaccessibility of potentially toxic metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, were determined in surface soil samples from a mining community (Kenyasi) and a non-mining community (Sunyani) in Ghana, to investigate the contribution of mining activities to the environmental burden of potentially toxic metals. The study found significant differences in metal concentrations (p < 0.05) in As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn, but no significant difference (p > 0.05) in Pb and Cr between the two communities. The study found a moderate correlation between pH and metal concentrations in the mining community and a moderate positive correlation with As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in the non-mining community. The distribution pattern revealed elevated levels of toxic metals in the southeastern corridor of the mining community, which is close to a gold mine. Most heavy metals were concentrated in the commercial community's southern zone, with more residents and private elementary schools. Metal bioaccessibility was variable, and except for Cu and Zn, the mean bioaccessibility was less than 50% for a given metal. Contamination factor, geoaccumulation index, and soil enrichment factor suggested very high contamination of Cd, and a considerable to moderate contamination of As, Ni, Zn, and Cu at both the mining and non-mining communities. The above observations and the pollution and risk indices employed in this study confirmed that the mining community was more polluted (PLI = 2.145) than the non-mining community (PLI = 1.372). The total metal hazard (HI) exceeded thresholds by three and four times at non-mining and mining sites. Regular monitoring is necessary, especially in the mining community, to prevent soil metal accumulation.