Water quality and health risk assessments of illegal gold mining-impacted estuaries in Ghana

Abstract

This study evaluated the water quality, pollution, and health risks associated with illegal gold mining activities in two estuaries (Pra and Ankobra) in the Southwestern region of Ghana. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) used for the evaluation indicated that both estuaries were in the marginal water quality category. Nemerow's Pollution Index (NPI) evaluation showed that turbidity (from siltation), PO 4 , Pb, Cu, and Fe contributed to the pollution of the two estuaries. The health risks index of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Hazard Index (HI) evaluated on shellfish ( Macrobrachium ) from the estuaries were above USEPA recommended threshold; therefore, there is a likelihood of human health risks impacts on the coastal dwellers surrounding the estuaries. Overall, the study buttresses the need to take urgent strategic actions to control the direct impacts of pollution on the estuarine systems and the surrounding coastal communities. • Pollution footprints observed in two estuaries of Southwestern region of Ghana • The pollution index revealed turbidity, phosphate, lead, copper and iron as main contributing drivers of the estuaries. • There is a high likelihood of human health risks impacts on surrounding coastal dwellers. • Urgent action needed to control pollution in order to safeguard the lives of the communities