Abstract
Surface water samples collected from various sites in the Densu delta wetland, Ghana, were analyzed for pH, temperature, TDS, EC, turbidity, TSS, alkalinity, HCO3-, BOD, COD, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, SO42-, PO4-P, NO3-N, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Co and Fe using titration and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Multivariate statistical analyses such as cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to identify heavy metal pollution in the wetland area. Results from CA and PCA suggest positive relationships between the two analyses. Linear correlation analysis done also suggests similar relationships. Heavy metals were identified as originating from a common source in all the analyses. The hydrochemistry of the area appears to have been influenced, to a large extent, by dissolution/precipitation as well as numerous but subsistence small-scale agricultural activities that take place in the wetland environment.
Highlights
For a very long time, the aquatic environment has been regarded as a ‘free good’ available to be exploited for social, cultural and economic gain [1]
Surface water samples collected from various sites in the Densu delta wetland, Ghana, were analyzed for pH, temperature, TDS, EC, turbidity, TSS, alkalinity, HCO3, BOD, COD, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, SO42, PO4-P, NO3-N, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Co and Fe using titration and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS)
Accumulation of high levels of elements, even if in trace amounts could have negative influence on the health of humans and other forms of life especially those that depend extensively on resources in the wetland environment. Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are used in many agricultural applications and, because of their harmful effects, stability and persistence of these environmental contaminants are increasingly becoming a source of concern in many coastal waters and wetland systems
Summary
For a very long time, the aquatic environment has been regarded as a ‘free good’ available to be exploited for social, cultural and economic gain [1] This is especially so for many wetlands have suffered degradation resulting from sewage disposal, industrial activities, and agriculture. Accumulation of high levels of elements, even if in trace amounts could have negative influence on the health of humans and other forms of life especially those that depend extensively on resources in the wetland environment Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are used in many agricultural applications and, because of their harmful effects, stability and persistence of these environmental contaminants are increasingly becoming a source of concern in many coastal waters and wetland systems. Identification and monitoring of pollutants in the water environment is of critical importance in an attempt to protect ecological and human health
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