Abstract
Stream sediment samples were analyzed for the concentrations of some trace metals in the Obuasi gold mining environment, Ghana. The objectives were to determine the possible impacts of mining operations in the area on sediments’ trace metal load, and the resulting effects on agriculture and livelihoods. The concentrations of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), with calcium (Ca) as reference element, were compared to their respective background concentrations to calculate the enrichment and contamination factors, and also geo-accumulation and pollution load indices of each trace metal. These were in turn compared to standard tables to determine the status of contamination. Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was then applied to the samples for spatial classification. This study suggests probable contribution of mining and associated activities in the Obuasi area to the concentrations of trace metals especially arsenic, in the stream sediments. Three spatial relationships were revealed based on the concentrations of these trace metals from the Q-mode HCA. The samples presented generally high concentrations, which were more profound for samples taken closer to holding pond and tailings dams, and decreased downstream.
Highlights
The Obuasi gold mine constitutes the single largest gold mine in Ghana, accounting for over 60% of the total national production
This study suggests probable contribution of mining and associated activities in the Obuasi area to the concentrations of trace metals especially arsenic, in the stream sediments
Three sets of sediment samples were assessed on the basis of the Enrichment Factor (EF), contamination factors (CF), Igeo and pollution load index (PLI)
Summary
The Obuasi gold mine constitutes the single largest gold mine in Ghana, accounting for over 60% of the total national production. In the Obuasi mining district, evidence of local contamination in association with gold mining activities has been noted and indications of trace metal contamination in streams, sediments, and biota abound, and obviously result from contamination from diverse sources including mining and municipal discharges [1,2,3,4]. Such signs of contamination have been obvious overtime, the geochemical implications of these contaminations in stream sediments, as well as the severity of such contaminations have not been previously evaluated using relevant evaluation indices. A thorough assessment of the level of contamination of the major environmental receptors such as soils, biota, water bodies, and stream sediments is critically required in order to assist environmental managers and the relevant stakeholders plan to avert any future epidemics
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