Ghana Standards Authority Research Articles

Making masks: The women behind Ghana's nose covering mandate during the COVID-19 outbreak

In 2020, Ghanaians adopted face masks, or “nose masks,” in public places to combat the spread of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Seamstresses and tailors quickly pivoted to manufacture nose masks by April, given the longstanding cottage sewing industry. While the country saw an influx of disposable face masks by the end of the year, cloth mask makers made a significant impact on public health at the start of the pandemic. This article considers how people were able to quickly popularize nose masks in 2020, noting the key role women seamstresses played alongside public leaders, the Ghana Standards Authority, and the police who used punitive punishments and coercive tactics to encourage sustained use as the pandemic continued. It marks one of the first studies on the history and cultural use of nose masks in an African country, comparing their use and adoption to other national mask responses, including those in the United States, Japan, and the Czech Republic.

Meteorological and Air Pollution Assessment from Road Use and Construction in the Eastern and Greater Accra Regions (Ghana)

The study identified the impacts of air pollutants and their relationships with meteorological parameters. Pollutants generated from road construction and use compared with WHO and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) guidelines revealed the median of PM 10 (76µg/m 3 ), PM 2.5 (26.1µg/m 3 ), NO 2 (36µg/m 3 ), SO 2 (236 µg/m 3 ), noise (75dBA) at Somanya sampling location were above the WHO guidelines for air quality. Whiles PM 10 , SO 2, and noise were above the (GSA) permissible limits. The Mataheko location had median values of PM 10 (100.4 µg/m 3 ), PM 2.5 (24.9µg/m 3 ), NO 2 (41.0 µg/m 3 ), SO 2 (26 µg/m 3 ), noise (75.5 dBA) above the WHO limits, whereas only noise and PM 10 , were above the GSA limits for ambient air quality. Construction activities released PM 10, PM 2.5 , NO 2 , SO 2, and noise above WHO and GSA limits. Though the quantities detected are not directly comparable to air quality recommendations, which are based on 24-hour or annual averages, they raise concerns about public health and policy. Keywords: road, road construction, air pollutants, atmospheric parameters, Ghana DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-3-04 Publication date: March 31 st 2022

Exposure assessment and cancer risk characterization of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) through ingestion of raw cow milk in southern Ghana

Milk and dairy products are the most important nutritional foods among all age groups. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contaminates milk and makes its consumption potentially dangerous. Infants are mostly at risk because they are typically fed as many as six and more times per day, which is indeed a disquieting concern. This study aimed at evaluating AFM1 levels especially above international (European Food Safety Authority, EFSA) (0.05 µg/kg) and local (Ghana Standards Authority, GSA) (0.5 µg/kg) standards and cancer risks associated with the ingestion of raw cow milk (n = 120) sampled from Southern Ghana (Greater Accra, Volta, Western and Eastern Regions). AFM1 were measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescence Detector (HPLC-FLD). Risk assessments were also conducted using models prescribed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Additives (JECFA). Out of the 120 samples analyzed for AFM1, 67 (55.8%) tested positive, 63 (52.5%) exceeded the limits of EFSA and were between the range 0.06 ± 0.001–3.52 ± 0.5 µg/kg whereas 50(41.7%) within the range of 0.50 ± 0.03–3.52.01 ± 0.5 µg/kg exceeded GSA limits. Risk assessments of AFM1 for infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults ranged between 0.06 and 2.03 ng/kg bw/day, 197.04–6666.67, 0–0.0323 ng aflatoxins/kg bw/day and 1.94 × 10-3- 0.07 cases/100,000 person/yr respectively for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Average Potency, and Cancer Risks. It was concluded that the consumption of raw milk posed adverse health effects on all age categories studied for the regions investigated. The use of raw cow milk may cause some problems and endanger the health of people of different age groups due to noncompliance with prescribed regulatory limits.

Exposure and risk characterizations of ochratoxins A and aflatoxins through maize (Zea mays) consumed in different agro-ecological zones of Ghana

Mycotoxin contamination of foodstuffs is a serious food safety concern globally as the prolonged ingestion of these toxins has the tendency to worsen the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed at estimating ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin (AF) levels above international (European Food Safety Authority, EFSA) and local (Ghana Standards Authority, GSA) standards as well as the health risks associated with the consumption of maize (n = 180) sampled from six (6) regions representing the agro-ecological zones of Ghana. OTA and AF were measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with a Fluorescence detector. Out of the 180 samples analyzed for total aflatoxins (AFtotal), 131/180 tested positive and 127 (70.50%) exceeded the limits of EFSA and ranged 4.27–441.02 µg/kg. While for GSA, 116 (64.44%) of samples exceeded this limit and ranged between 10.18 and 441.02 µg/kg. For OTA, 103/180 tested positive and 94 (52.22%) of samples between the range 4.00–97.51 µg/kg exceeded the tolerable limit of EFSA, whereas 89 (49.44%) and were in the range of 3.30–97.51 µg/kg exceeded the limits of GSA. Risk assessment values for total aflatoxins (AFtotal) ranged between 50 and 1150 ng/kg bw/day, 0.4–6.67, 0–0.0323 aflatoxins ng/kg bw/day and 1.62–37.15 cases/100,000 person/year for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Average Potency, and Cancer Risks respectively. Likewise, ochratoxin (OTA) values were in the ranges of 8.6 × 10–3–450 ng/kg bw/day, 0.05–2059.97, 0–0.0323 ochratoxins ng/kg bw/day and 2.78 × 10–4–14.54 cases/100,000 person/year. Consumption of maize posed adverse health effects in all age categories of the locations studied since the calculated MOE values were less than 10,000.

Physical Properties of Fabrics: Chemical Compositions of Selected Detergents on Colourfastness of GTP Wax Print and ATL Wax Print (Indigo) in Ghana

The study sought to investigate the Physical Properties of Fabrics: Chemical Compositions of Selected Detergents on Colourfastness of GTP Wax Print and ATL Wax Print (Indigo) in Ghana. A 3×2×2 factorial experiment which includes three washing cycles, the two detergents and two fabrics types were used or the study. A total of 146 specimens were cut randomly from along the warp and weft grain directions of ATL and GTP wax prints and subjected to washing and breaking at the laboratory using standard equipment. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2007 version and the results were presented using means and percentage tables. One-way analysis of variance (Anova) was used to test the hypotheses formulated. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the tensile strength between GTP and ATL wax prints after undergoing three washing cycles with Omo multiactive and Ariel enzymax. The degrading effect in terms of loss of tensile strength of Ariel enzymax on both wax prints was greater than that of Omo multiactive. There was no significant difference in the colour fastness between ATL and GTP wax prints after undergoing three washing cycles each with Ariel enzymax and Omo multiactive. It is recommended that both GTP and ATL fabric manufacturers should pay particular attention to the physical properties (such as thread count, fabric weight and weave type) when purchasing grey goods for further processing of their products. It is also recommended that, Ghana Standards Authority should make it compulsory for the manufacturers of washing detergents to indicate the correct chemical composition of their products on the packages.

Domestic drinking water management: Quality assessment in Oforikrom municipality, Ghana.

Drinking water in Ghana is estimated at 79%, but this only represents the proportion of the population with access to improved drinking water sources without regard to the quality of water consumed. This study investigated the quality of household drinking water sources in the Oforikrom municipality where potable water requirements are on the rise due to an ever-increasing population. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. One Hundred households were randomly selected and interviewed on the available options for drinking water and household water treatment and safe storage. A total of 52 points of collection (POC) and 97 points of use (POU) water samples from households were collected for physicochemical and microbial water quality analysis. Amongst the available drinking water options, sachet water (46%) was mostly consumed by households. Water quality analysis revealed that the physicochemical parameters of all sampled drinking water sources were within the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) recommended values expected for pH (ranging from 4.50 to 7.50). For the drinking water sources, bottled (100%, n = 2) and sachet water (91%, n = 41) showed relatively good microbial water quality. Generally, POC water samples showed an improved microbial water quality in comparison to POU water samples. About 38% (n = 8) of the households practicing water quality management, were still exposed to unsafe drinking water sources. Households should practice good water quality management at the domestic level to ensure access to safe drinking water. This may include the use of chlorine-based disinfectants to frequently disinfect boreholes, wells and storage facilities at homes.

Effect of washing on performance attributes of fabrics for Basic School Uniforms

The determination of the suitability of fabrics for specific end-uses require the subjection of selected fabrics to conditions they would be exposed to during use and care such as washing. Three different brands of fabrics commonly used for Ghanaian Basic School Uniforms and labelled A, B and C were evaluated after washing to suggest suitable fabric(s) to be used to achieve quality in uniforms. Specimens were subjected to three washing cycles and strength, elongation, dimensional stability and colourfastness tested. Data were analyzed using the Predictive Analytical Software for windows version 22. Means of the performance characteristics of the fabrics were determined and hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance at 0.05 alpha level. Washing had effect on the parameters investigated. In all, fabric brand B performed best as throughout the wash cycles, its strength values were above the standard requirements set by the Ghana Standards Authority for uniform fabrics. Since the fabric brand B performed best with the parameters investigated, it is suggested for use as school uniform fabric. However, further studies can be conducted on these same fabrics where other parameters such as absorbency and abrasion resistance can be evaluated.

Toxigenic mycoflora, aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of poultry feeds in Ghana

The study was undertaken to identify the major mycotoxigenic fungi, aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in prepared poultry feeds in Ghana. Three hundred and fifty (350) prepared feed samples were randomly collected from 133 commercial poultry farms, 76 feed processors and eight (8) feed vendors in three major poultry producing regions of Ghana over two seasons. Fungi were isolated using the serial dilution method on potato dextrose agar and identified using standard methods of identification. Total aflatoxin and fumonisin levels were quantified using AgraStrip® Total Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Quantitative test Watex® from RomerLab, USA. Eight (8) different fungi were isolated from the feed samples with isolation frequency as follows: Aspergillus flavus (47%), A. niger (24%), A. fumigatus (17%), A. oryzae (3%), A. tamarii (2%), Penicillium sp. (3%), Colletotrichum sp. (4%) and Rhizopus sp. (0.1%). Feed samples collected during the rainy season recorded higher mean colony counts (3.39 ± 0.29) than that of the dry season (1.10 ± 0.18). Total aflatoxin and fumonisin levels ranged from 0 to 118 ppb with a mean of 57.25 ± 2.55 ppb, and 0.28–15 ppm with a mean of 1.54 ± 0.12 ppm, respectively. The study revealed co-occurrence of aflatoxin and fumonisin in all the feed samples. Significant correlations (r = 0.298, r = 0.694) (p < 0.05) were observed among the aflatoxin and fumonisin levels and the fungi isolated. Seventy-four percent (74%) of all the feed samples exceeded the 15 ppb Ghana Standards Authority threshold, the EU regulatory limit of 20 ppb and the FAO/WHO recommended maximum permissible limit of 30 ppb for poultry feeds. Although fumonisin levels were less than the EU guidance values of 20 ppm for poultry feeds, 20% of the samples were higher than the FAO/WHO maximum tolerable daily intake limit of 2 ppm. Proper handling of prepared feeds and ingredients could prevent or minimize toxigenic fungi contamination and lower the likelihood of mycotoxin development in poultry feeds.

The occurrence of aflatoxins and human health risk estimations in randomly obtained maize from some markets in Ghana

Maize and its products are most often prone to fungal contamination especially during cultivation and storage by toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxicosis still persist in Ghana despite the numerous education on several ways of its prevention at the farm as well as its adverse health implications which are food safety concerns. A random assessment and human risk analysis was conducted on 90 maize (72 white and 18 colored) samples from markets across all the regions of Ghana. Total aflatoxins (AFtotal) and the constitutive aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) were analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Out of a total of ninety (90) samples investigated, 72 (80%) tested positive for AFB1 and the contamination levels ranged from 0.78 ± 0.04 to 339.3 ± 8.6 µg kg−1. Similarly, AFG2 was detected in only 14 (15.5%) samples, and their values ranged between 1.09 ± 0.03 and 5.51 ± 0.26 µg kg−1 while AF total ranged between 0.78 ± 0.04 and 445.01 ± 8.9 µg kg−1 constituting approximately 72 (80%). Limits of AFB1 and total aflatoxins (AFtotal) for the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) (5 and 10 µg kg−1) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2 and 4 µg kg−1), were used as checks. A total of 33 (41.25%) samples were above the limits for both. Risk assessments recorded for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (H.Q), Hazard Index (H.I), Margin of Exposure (MOE), av. Potency, and population risks ranged 0.087–0.38 μg kg−1 bw day−1, 1.5–6.9, 0.0087–0.38, 3.64–12.09, 0–0.0396 ng Aflatoxins kg−1 bw day−1 and, 3.5 × 10–1–0.015 respectively for total aflatoxins. While ranges for aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) recorded were 0.068–0.3 μg Kg bw−1 day−1, 2.43–10.64, 0.0068–0.030, 4.73–20.51, 0–0.0396 ng Aflatoxins kg−1 bw day−1 and, 2.69 × 10–3–0.012 for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (H.Q), Hazard Index (H.I), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Av. potency, and population risks respectively. It was deduced that although there was some observed contamination of maize across the different ecological zones, the consumption of maize (white and colored) posed no adverse health effects on the population of Ghana since computed H.I was less than 1 (< 1).

Aflatoxins in randomly selected groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) and its products from some local markets across Ghana: Human risk assessment and monitoring.

A random assessment and human risk analysis were conducted on 80 groundnut pastes and raw groundnuts from some local markets across the different agroecological zones of Ghana. Total aflatoxins (AFtotal) and aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) were analyzed using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Out of 80 samples investigated, 49 (61.25 %) tested positive for AFB1 and ranged from 0.38 ± 0.04-230.21 ± 22.14 μg/kg. The same proportion was recorded for total aflatoxins (AFtotal) and ranged between 0.38 ± 0.02-270.51 ± 23.14 μg/kg. Limits of AFB1 and total aflatoxins (AFtotal) for the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) (5 and 10 μg/kg) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2 and 4 μg/kg), were used as checks. A total of 33 (41.25 %) samples were above the limits for both. Risk assessments recorded for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), potency, cancer risk, and population risks ranged 0.087-0.380 μg/Kg.bw/day, 1052.630-4597.700, 0-0.00396 ng Aflatoxins kg-1bwday-1 and, 1.5 × 10-3 - 7.9 × 10-4 respectively for total aflatoxins. While for aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), ranges of values of 0.068-0.300 μg/Kg.bw/day, 1333.33-5882.35, 0-0.00396 ng aflatoxins kg/bw/day and, 1.19 × 10-3 - 6.34 × 10-4 corresponded for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), potency, cancer risk, and population risk respectively. There were risks of adverse health effects involved in the consumption of groundnuts for all age groups investigated since MOE values were all below 10,000.

Seasonality in faecal contamination of drinking water sources in the Jirapa and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities of Ghana

This paper examines seasonal variations in faecal contamination of drinking water sources in the Jirapa and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities of Ghana. Data collection involved a survey of 568 households, testing of faecal coliform concentrations in drinking water source samples (141 in the rainy season, 128 in the dry season), in-depth interviews with key water stakeholders, and field observation to identify sources of faecal contamination. From the water quality testing, faecal coliforms were detected in all source types, including ‘treated’ pipe-borne water. Contamination was significantly higher in the rainy season than in the dry season (P < 0.05) with 51.8% of water samples in the rainy season and 27.3% in the dry season failing to meet the World Health Organisation and Ghana Standard Authority guideline on faecal coliform concentrations in drinking water sources. The proportion of population at risk of faecal contamination in the rainy season was 41.5% compared to 33.1% in the dry season. We argue that in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa at large, water surveillance agencies risk underestimating population exposed to faecal contamination through drinking water sources if monitoring is only done in the dry season. To avoid this, we recommend seasonal monitoring of faecal concentration in drinking water sources. However, in periods of limited resources, monitoring is most appropriate in the rainy season when the risk of contamination is high.

Nutritional Content and Microbial Quality of Complementary Foods Produced from Blends of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Edible Insects

Abstract Objectives Improved formulations of complementary foods (CFs) with animal-source foods (ASFs) is an eminent strategy to improve infant nutrition, but they are expensive and not readily available in many food insecure settings which are a haven of edible insects. Hence, we developed orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) based CFs supplemented with Cricket or palm weevil larvae (PWL), examined its nutritional content and microbial quality for infant feeding. Methods OFSP roots were sourced from local farmers, peeled, sliced, steam cooked and mechanically dried into OFSP flour. Cricket powder and PWL paste were obtained from commercial producers, steam cooked, and mechanically dried into Cricket/PWL flours. OFSP flour was mixed with either Cricket/PWL flours in the ratios of 100:0 (control), 85:15, 70:30, and 50:50 and used to produce ready-to-eat CFs. The CFs were evaluated for nutrient composition and microbial contamination using standard methods. ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test was used to compare all the formulations to the control. Results There were increase in protein (4.80 to 36.75%), iron (1.26 to 4.38 mg/100 g), zinc (0.69 to 10.65 mg/100 g) and calcium (45.54 to 152.77 mg/100 g) contents of the OFSP-based CFs with increased supplementation with Cricket/PWL flour. The carbohydrate and β-carotene content decreased but the energy content increased with increased supplementation with cricket/PWL flour from 344.52 Kcal/100 g in 100% OFSP CF to 541.09 Kcal/100 g in 50:50 CFs (OFSP: PWL) (P = 0.001). Aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) of the OFSP: Cricket CFs was 60 cfu/g as compared to 1300 cfu/g for the OFSP: PWL CFs. Comparing the OFSP-based Cricket/PWL CFs to the commercial Cricket or PWL, there was 35–331-fold reduction in AMC. Bacillus cereus (BC), aerobic (APC) and anaerobic plate count (NPC) was 0 cfu/g for the OFSP: Cricket CFs. BC, APC and NPC were 100, 260 and 130 cfu/g respectively for the OFSP: PWL CFs. Conclusions Steam cooking, then mechanical drying significantly reduced microbial concentrations in commercial Cricket and PWL to below minimum limits set by the Ghana Standards Authority for CFs requiring heating to boiling before consumption. OFSP-based Cricket/PWL composite flours could be safe viable alternatives as nutritious CFs in countries where they are culturally accepted as food. Funding Sources Nutritional Sciences Council at Iowa State University.

Analysis of insecticide residues in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata) from three major markets in Kumasi

Cabbage from 3 major markets (Abinchi, Bantama and Sofoline) in Kumasi were screened for organochlorine, organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticide residues. Ninety cabbage heads - 30 from each market – were randomly sampled and analysed at the Pesticide Residues Laboratories of the Ghana Standards Authority, Accra.

Assessment of the Quality of Diesel Fuel from Some Selected Filling Stations in Tarkwa, Ghana

Automobile fuel quality is becoming a subject of concern across the world and particularly in Ghana because of potential problems associated with poor quality fuel. Poor quality fuel leads to health and environmental problems, reduced performance and lifetime of engine and other components of an automobile. This paper presents the assessment of the quality of diesel fuel from selected filling stations in Tarkwa. Fifteen fuel samples were collected from Reseller Outlets (Gao Gao), Local Oil Marketing Companies (LOMCs) and International Oil Marketing Companies (IOMCs). Density, flashpoint and sulphur content of the sampled fuels were examined in the laboratory using hydrometer, Cleveland closed cup flash point tester and energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer respectively. All the tests were conducted based on the American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM) and the results were compared with the requirements of Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). The results from the tests indicated variations in the fuel properties among all the oil marketing companies. All the samples tested were found to be within the required density limit set by GSA. Also, about 81% of the fuels had the flashpoint within the required limit. In general, all the diesel samples had high sulphur content above the GSA limit of 0.005 wt% (50 ppm). It is recommended that; the Government of Ghana should ensure that all oil marketing companies operate within the acceptable sulphur content limit in Ghana and should also consider reducing the acceptable sulphur content to meet international standard in the near future.

Final report on AFRIMETS supplementary comparison AFRIMETS. T-S2): platinum resistance thermometer and digital thermometer calibrations over the range -50 °C to 450 °C

A Regional Metrology Organization (RMO) supplementary comparison of platinum resistance thermometer and digital thermometer (AFRIMETS.T-S2) was carried out among AFRIMETS member NMIs namely the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), Laboratoire Public d'Essais et d'Etudes - Laboratoire National de Métrologie (LPEE-LNM), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and Agence Burkinabé de Normalisation, de la Métrologie et de la Qualité (ABNORM) between Dec 2015 and Sept 2018. The temperature range of the inter comparison is -50 °C to 450 °C. The results of this comparison are reported in this document, along with descriptions of the Artefacts and devices used during measurement. This report also presents the uncertainty budget. The results are analysed and En values are reported.Main textTo reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Assessment of fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources in the Jirapa and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities of Ghana

Fluoride is an important chemical for human health. However, its deficiency or excess in the human body poses health problems. In Ghana, the geological formation in the Upper Regions exposes groundwater, the main source of drinking water to risk of excessive fluoride. The risk of population exposure to high fluoride is further increased by the consumption of large volumes of water due to the hot climate of the area. Based on a Risk Assessment and Risk Management (RARM) model to safe drinking water supply, this study assesses the extent of fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources in the Jirapa and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities of Ghana. A concurrent nested mixed method design, which emphasized quantitative data was adopted for the study. Data were gathered through household surveys with housekeepers, testing of fluoride levels in households’ drinking water sources and in-depth interviews with hydrogeologists from the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA). From the results, fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources is generally moderate (0.7–1.5 mg/L). Only a few (1.4%) water samples, all from boreholes, exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO)/Ghana Standard Authority permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. This implies that boreholes classified as improved water sources do not necessarily deliver safe water. In the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) era where access to safely managed water is central to the achievement of target 6.1, we call on stakeholders in the water sector to assess and manage improved water sources with high fluoride levels.

Prevalence of fungi and aflatoxin contamination in stored groundnut in Ghana

Fungal species associated with stored groundnuts together with incidence of aflatoxin contamination in four major growing regions of Ghana were investigated in this study. Aspergillus niger (39.9%) and A. flavus (26.3%) were the predominant species recovered respectively from 73.3% to 83.3% of 60 groundnut samples used for microbial study. A. flavus was found in equal proportion in the four regions under investigation. Other fungal species identified in the study were Colletotrichum (13.3%), Rhizopus (14.8%), Penicillium (5.4%), Curvularia (0.2%) and A. ochraceus (0.1%). A total of 120 samples were assayed for total aflatoxin using HPLC with fluorescence detection. High contamination of groundnut samples (LOD-928.7, mean = 25.0 ng/g) was detected across the four regions with 20.8% exceeding the threshold limit of 20 ng/g total aflatoxin set by the Ghana Standards Authority. A significant positive correlation (0.59, p < 0.01) was observed between A. flavus and total aflatoxin in groundnut samples, an indication that A. flavus was the major causal agent of aflatoxin contamination of groundnut samples in this study. Further, other potential mycotoxigenic fungi were found in groundnut samples suggesting the need to investigate groundnuts in Ghana for contamination by other mycotoxins.

Hydrochemistry of Surface and Groundwater in the Vicinity of a Mine Waste Rock Dump: Assessing Impact of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD)

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is a well-known problem related to the mining industry due to its hazardous environmental effects. Metal-rich drainage and acid effluent transmitted from mine waste dumps compromise environmental quality of groundwater and surface water systems destroying aquatic life and increasing human health risks. This study was aimed at assessing the acid and metal drainage potential from the Subriso East Rock Dump (SERD) located in the Wassa East district of Ghana on ground and surface water quality in the catchment using a system of monitoring boreholes, reference boreholes and river samples. Water samples were collected from deep and shallow monitoring boreholes and surface water within the immediate environs of the SERD from August 2012 to February 2013 for laboratory and statistical analysis. Parameters analyzed include sulphate, alkalinity, Arsenic (As), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Aluminum (Al), Silver (Ag) and lead (Pb) and their concentrations compared with Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) GSB (2009) and WHO (2017) standards. Results indicate that surface and groundwater were not impacted by the SERD possibly because there was no generation of acid or metal-loaded effluent from the SERD into the environment. Physicochemical variables between monitoring boreholes did not differ significantly from conditions in the reference boreholes. Similarly, comparison of upstream and downstream river conditions did not yield any statistical significance (p > 0.05). Mn and Fe concentrations were above the WHO (2017)/GSB (2009) standards. Heavy metal concentrations in surface and groundwater were below detection limits except manganese and iron whose concentrations exceeded the recommended guidelines. No significant environmental impacts exist that could be attributed to the waste rock dump and may be as a result of engineering designs and mechanisms which prevent acid generated water from reaching the external environment. Furthermore, the geology of the study area potentially could be slightly inert having the potential to generate ARD under appropriate conditions. Again, the young age of the waste rock dump is a factor that may contribute to ARD generation under appropriate condition. Routine monitoring of groundwater and surface water sources is required to determine future acid generation of the SERD and its environmental impacts. The results of this study will assist decision makers and environmental managers to plan effectively to mitigate future impacts as mining waste rock dumps are known to increase in acid generation potential with age.

Iodine levels in brands of salt on the markets of Accra, Ghana.

The analysis sought to verify the presence or otherwise and the concentration levels of iodine in the claimed iodated salts on the Ghanaian market. Eleven (11) most patronized brands of salts, including both local and foreign brands and the raw-pellet salt (crystallized directly from sea water), were obtained from popular shops and markets in Accra. These were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively by titrimetry, involving the iodate-iodide reaction in acid medium that generates molecular iodine (IO3 - + I-+ 6H+ → I2 + 3H2O). The iodine content (in ppm) at retail, recorded for the samples are as follows: Sample A (25.4), B (51.8), C (52.9), D (45.5), E (25.4), F (75.1), G (28.6), H (0), I (13.7), J (34.9) and K (16.9). No iodine was observed in the raw-pellet salt (sample H) crystallized directly from sea water, in contrast to the long-held belief that it contains natural iodine. Furthermore, all samples analyzed did not meet the concentration levels indicated on their labels and did not meet the Ghana Standard Authority's standard. Only samples B and C were close to the Ghana Standard Authority's specification. The Ghana Standard Authority's standard of 100ppm at production and 50ppm at retail may be too high or, probably, the salt iodination companies are not adhering to the rules. The authors therefore recommend that the regulatory authorities (The Food and Drugs Authority and The Ghana Standard Authority) regularize their regulatory activities and educate the public appropriately. The study was self-funded by the researchers/authors.

Determination of lead and cadmium contents in lipstick and their potential health risks to consumers

In Ghana, a complete profile of heavy metals in lipstick products is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of some toxic metals in lipstick sold at different markets and shopping malls in Kumasi Metropolis. Twenty lipstick brands were analysed. The lipstick was chemically digested and then analysed for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) using atomic absorption spectroscopy (model 210 VGP). The concentrations of Pb and Cd in lipsticks ranged from 0.20 ± 0.00 to 36.70 ± 0.26, and 1.83 ± 0.06 to 412.23 ± 0.40 mg kg−1, respectively. The actual Pb concentration measured in 18 lipstick samples was far below the recommended limits of the United State Food and Drug Administration (20 mg kg−1), Ghana Standards Authority (1 mg kg−1) and Health Canada (10 mg kg−1). The Cd concentration in 19 lipsticks was above the Health Canada threshold for impurities, indicating a potential toxicological effect for lipstick users. The hazard quotient for Cd in almost all the lipstick samples, except sample C12 were above 1, indicating adverse non-carcinogenic health risk exposure to Cd via the lipsticks ingestion. Thus, the continuous usage of these brands of lipsticks can pose a high risk of Cd on human health. Therefore, quality control is recommended to check lipstick products imported into the country. Similarly, regular monitoring of other heavy metal containing components and chemicals used in the manufacture of cosmetics products, which may cause health risks to consumers should be ensured.