Browsing by Author "Damoah, Paul Beeton"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Effects of Small Scale Mining Activities on the Ankobra River: A Case Study in the Amenfi East District of the Western Region
    (2013-12-09) Damoah, Paul Beeton
    Small scale mining activities are undertaken in many parts of the world where mineral deposits are found. The process is carried out in or close to water bodies as water is needed in the washing of waste and the subsequent extraction of the mineral. In developing nations such as Ghana, the activity is done both legally and illegally, often with very little or no supervision. Hence much damage is done to these water bodies where the activities are carried out. In the present study, the impact of small scale mining activities on the Ankobra River was carried out in four communities within the Amenfi East District of the Western Region, an area where the activity is highly prevalent. Samplings were carried out at six different points in four communities within the District, and analyses were done to determine the physico chemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations present in the water using the atomic absorption spectrometer. The study showed that most of the physico-chemical parameters recorded at sections of the river where small scale activities were carried out were above standard limits. Similar observations were made for the concentrations of heavy metals analysed from the river; there were relatively higher concentrations of the heavy metals, especially mercury, at the small scale mining regions of the river as compared to analysed samples from the source. Effects of small scale mining activities on water course (direction), water level and the rate of flow (water current) were found to be negatively affected. The vegetation at the bank was also negatively affected. The study revealed that, despite the economic boost provided by small scale mining activities, the processes involved have enormous negative effect on the Ankobra River and the environment at large. It is, therefore, recommended that there be instituted by regulations, law enforcement agencies to strictly monitor such activities.