Browsing by Author "Boadi Nathaniel"

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    Characterization of latex from trees in the Bobiri forest of Ghana
    (Resaerch Gate, 2019) Saah Ama Selina; Badu Mercy; Boadi Nathaniel; Mensah Baah Michael
    In this study, ten latex samples collected from different trees in the Bobiri forest in the Ashanti region of Ghana, were characterized based on FT-IR, viscosity, protein content, ash content, crosslink density, surface tension and rubber content. The results were compared to that of Hevea brasiliensis, which was used as reference. FT-IR analyses showed peaks at 1637.06 and 2963.61 cm‐1 (C-H bond) and 1450.06 and 1470.00 cm‐1 (C=C bond). These peaks are common with isoprene units (C5H8). Of all the samples, Hevea brasiliensis had the highest rubber contents of 56.18%, and lowest total solids and crosslink density of 14.98 and 0.08 respectively. Pycnanthus angolensis was the most viscous. With respect to total solids and coagulum content, Landolphia hirsuta had the highest percentages of 88.4 and 13% respectively. Based on their properties, these latexes could be used as alternatives to Hevea brasiliensis.
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    Heavy metal contamination in canned fish marketed in Ghana
    (Research Gate, 2011) Boadi Nathaniel; Badu Mercy
    The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd, Mn and Hg in 46 canned fish samples of nine different brands purchased within Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were determined using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd and Mn and direct mercury analyzer (DMA) for Hg. The ranges obtained for the elements analyzed in μg/g (wet weight) are as follows: Pb (0.058 - 0.168), Zn (0.010 - 0.370), Hg (0.088 - 0.410), Mn (0.001 - 0.057), Fe(0.990 - 32.607) and Cd, below detection limit in all the samples. The fish samples had Hg levels below the European dietary limit of 0.5 μg/g. Zinc levels were generally below the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended limit of 40 μg/g. The concentration of lead in the canned fish was also below the MAFF guidelines of 2.0 μg/g. Also, based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) health criteria for carcinogens, there are no health risks associated with Pb concentrations in canned fishes analyzed. The result of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the data suggested no significant variations (P>0:05) in the concentrations of the metals in the same brands of canned fishes.
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    Levels of selected heavy metals in canned tomato paste sold in Ghana
    (Food Additives & Contaminants, 2012) Boadi Nathaniel; Mensah John; Badu Mercy; Twumasi Sylvester; Osei Irene
    Sixty-one samples of canned tomato paste comprising seven brands originating from three countries and sold in local markets in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana were analysed for levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and for levels of mercury (Hg) by direct mercury analyzer. Mean heavy metal concentrations varied by brand, ranging from below the limit of detection (Cd) to a maximum concentration range of 1.68 1.63 to 58.6 14.5 mgg 1 (Fe). Estimated mean ranges of other heavy metals are 2.06 0.62 to 8.52 0.68 mgg 1 (Zn), 2.62 0.33 to 5.75 0.47 mgg 1 (Mn), 0.070 0.003 to 0.116 0.012 mgg 1 (Pb) and 0.011 0.001 to 0.102 0.001 mgg 1 (Hg). Assessed metal levels in five brands were below the WHO/FAO permissible levels. Results of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) conducted on the data suggested no significant variations (P40.05) in the concentrations of the metals in the same brands of canned tomatoes.