Identification of the Critical Points For Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination along the Cocoa Processing and Storage Chain in Ghana
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Date
2013-07-13
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Abstract
Cocoa, a natural resource has shouldered the socio-economic life of Ghana through
generation of employment and foreign exchange since its introduction into the country
in 1815 by the Dutch Missionaries. Nonetheless, the industry faces some challenges;
Exported cocoa has come under strict scrutiny due to elevation of the levels of a
carcinogenic, mutagenic and an endocrine-disrupting compound termed polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). Although the general post-harvest handling of cocoa has
received some level of attention, how critical the contributions of the specific primary
processing and storage stages along the chain are and the level of knowledge of farmers
on the causes and effect of PAH contamination are not known. These situations shield
areas that need intense focus and are assessed by this study to help in designing policies
and strategies for quality improvement. The concentrations of PAH in cocoa sampled
from Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Western-North, Western-South and Volta
regions (cocoa-regions) of Ghana were analyzed using the Gas-Chromatography Mass
Spectrometer. Also interview via questionnaires were used to ascertain knowledge of
farmers and other handlers including purchasing officials with regards to PAH level.
Results indicate that cocoa beans processing involves pods gathering and opening, bean
fermentation and drying. It was followed by bagging and storage before shipment. PAH
concentration was higher in the shell than the nib (although < EU‟s threshold limit of
2ppb) and occurred during drying (0.925 ppb), depot storage (1.486 ppb) and shipment
(1.842 ppb). Inappropriate practices e. g drying near fire and vehicle roadside which
promote contact of beans with smoke, petroleum products e. g. oil, diesel and petrol
could account for this situation. Lack of knowledge by cocoa farmers due mainly to low
level of education was also established as a critical factor that requires greater attention.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Materials Engineering,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, in Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements for the award of Master of Science Degree in Environmental
Resources Management