Environmental and health risks of potentially toxic element concentrations in soil and foodstuffs from Abuakwa South Municipality, Ghana
Article Main
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements in soil and foodstuffs from mining areas contaminates foods and threatens public health. Understanding the distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) concentrations is necessary for monitoring environmental and human health risks. The present study assessed the concentrations of PTEs in soil and foodstuffs from small-scale artisanal mining (SAM) communities and their environmental and health risks in the Abuakwa South Municipality (ASM) of Ghana. Soil, plantain, and cocoyam leaves were sampled for PTEs analysis in 11 communities. Soil samples were collected using a 30 x 30-meter quadrat, with three samples taken at a depth of 0-20 cm within four quadrats per community. Environmental pollution indices of the PTEs, including contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), as well as human health hazard index (HI), were calculated. The CF, EF and Igeo indices of the PTEs decreased in the order Hg> Mn> Cu> As> Ni> Co> Fe> Cr (34.94 to 0.09), Hg> Mn> Ni> Cu> As> Co (649.76 to 1.30) and Hg> Mn> As> Cu> Ni> Co> Fe (5.30 to 4.09), respectively with an overall pollution load index of 0.11 for the soil samples. The concentration of PTEs in plantain and cocoyam decreased in the order Ni> Fe> Co> Pb> Mn> Cu> Hg>As> Cr and Ni> Fe> Co> Pb> Mn> Cu> As> Hg> Cr, respectively, implying Ni, Fe and Co dominance in the foodstuffs. The HI recorded in plantain in all sampling locations exceeded the threshold value of >1 for both adults and children, indicating significant health risks.
Article Details
Article Details
Keywords
Cocoyam leaves, Environmental and human health, Heavy metals, plantain, Pollution indices
References
Abiya, S., Odiyi, B., Ologundudu, F., & Olufemi., A. (2018 ). Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in a Gold Mining Site in Southwestern Nigeria. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research. 12. 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.12.002276.
Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly (ASMA) (2018). Vegetation. Retrieved from http://asma.gov.gh/index.php/vegetation/
Adu-Baffour, F., Daum, T., & Birner, R. (2021). Governance challenges of small-scale gold mining in Ghana: Insights from a process net-map study. Land Use Policy Vol. 102, 105271.
Ahamad, M. I., Song, J., Sun, H., Wang, X., Mehmood, M. S., Sajid, M., Khan, A. J., & others. (2020). Contamination level, ecological risk, and source identification of heavy metals in the hyporheic zone of the Weihe River, China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1239. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041239
Alejandro, S., Höller, S., Meier, B., & Peiter, E. (2020). Manganese in plants: From acquisition to subcellular allocation. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 300. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00300
Amaglo, F. K., & Nyarko, E. S. (2012). Mineral nutrient content of commonly consumed leafy vegetables in northern Ghana. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 12(3), 6157–6170. https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.50.11079
Attua, E. M., Annan, S. T., & Nyame., F. ( 2014 ). Water quality analysis of rivers used as drinking sources in artisanal gold mining communities of the Akyem-Abuakwa area. Ghana Journal of Geography Vol. 6, 24 – 41.
Balali-Mood, M., Naseri, K., Tahergorabi, Z., Khazdair, M. R., & Sadeghi, M. (2021). Toxic mechanisms of five heavy metals: Mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 643972. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.643972
Bansah, K. J., Yalley, B. A., Duamkor-Dupey, N. K., & Sakyi-Addo, G. B. (2016). Small scale mining in Ghana: Improving operations by utilizing professional engineers. In Proceedings of the 4th UMaT Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference (pp. 24–34). University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana.
Barbieri, M. (2016). The importance of enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) to evaluate the soil contamination. Journal of Geology & Geophysics, 5(1), 237. https://doi.org/10.4172/2381-8719.1000237
Basu, M. (2023). Impact of mercury and its toxicity on health and environment: A general perspective. In N. Kumar (Ed.), Mercury Toxicity (pp. 55–67). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-7719-2_4
Bentum, J., Owusu–Ansah, B. L., & Koranteng-Addo, E. (2011). Levels of zinc, copper, iron and manganese in soils of abandoned mine pits around the Tarkwa gold mining area of Ghana. Advances in Applied Science Research, 2(1), 280–288.
Blancher, R., Rehm, G., & Caldwell., A. C. (1965). Sulphur in plant materials by digestion with nitric and perchloric acid. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 29:, 71-72.
Chauhan, S., Thakur, R., & Sharma, G. (2008). Nickel: Its availability and reactions in soil. Jr. of Industrial Pollution Control 24 (1), 1-8.
Chupezi, T. J., Ingram, V., & Schure, J. (2009). Impacts of artisanal gold and diamond mining on livelihoods and the environment in the Sangha Tri-National Park landscape. Indonesia: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor/002900
Donkor, A., Bonzongo, J.-C. J., Nartey, V. K., & Adotey, D. K. (2006). Mercury in different environmental compartments of the Pra River Basin, Ghana. Science of the Total Environment, 368(1), 164–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.09.059
Ekhator, O. C., Udowelle, N. A., Igbiri, S., Asomugha, R. N., Igweze, Z. N., & Orisakwe, O. E. (2017). Safety evaluation of potential toxic metals exposure from street foods consumed in Mid-West Nigeria. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2017, 8458057. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8458057
European Environment Agency (EEA). (2007). Progress in management of contaminated sites (CSI 015/LSI 003). Retrieved from http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/progress-in-management-of-contaminated-sites
European Environmental Agency (EEA). (2007). Progress in management of of contaminated sites(CSI 015/LSI 003). Retrieved from http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators
Gyamfi, O., Sørensen, P., Darko, G., Ansah, E., Vorkamp, K., & Bak, J. (2020). Contamination, exposure and risk assessment of mercury in the soils of an artisanal gold mining community in Ghana. Chemosphere. 267. 128910. 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128910.
Harvard University. (2017). The Nutrition Source. Retrieved from Whole Grains: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/whole-grains/
Hochmuth, G. (2017). Iron (Fe) Nutrition of Plants. SL353.
Holtra, A., & Zamorska, D. (2020). The pollution indices of trace elements in soils and plants close to the copper and zinc smelting works in Poland's Lower Silesia. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27, 16086–16099. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08113-5
Howe, P., Malcolm, M. H., & Dobson, S. (2005). Manganese and its compounds. WHO Concise International Chemical Assessment Document No. 63. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/43 242
Jorfi, S., Maleki, R., Jaafarzadeh, N., & Ahmadi, M. (2017). Pollution load index for heavy metals in Mian-Ab plain soil, Khuzestan, Iran. Data in Brief, 15, 584–590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2017.10.017
Kamunda, C., Mathuthu, M., & Madhuku, M. (2016). Health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils from Witwatersrand gold mining basin, South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(7), 663. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13070663
Keshavarzi, A., & Kamar, V. (2020). Spatial distribution and potential ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Northeastern Iran. Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes, 4(2), 87–103. https:doi.org/10.1080/24749508.2019.1704018
Khan, A., Khan, S., Khan, M. A., Qamar, Z., & Waqas, M. (2015). The uptake and bioaccumulation of heavy metals by food plants, their effects on plant nutrients, and associated health risk: A review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22, 13772–13799. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-4881-0
Kowalska, J. B., Mazurek, R., Gąsiorek, M., & Zaleski, T. (2018). Pollution indices as useful tools for the comprehensive evaluation of the degree of soil contamination–A review. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 40, 2395–2420. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-018-0106-z
Lam, E. J., Urrutia, J., Bech, J., et al. (2023). Heavy metal pollution index calculation in geochemistry assessment: A case study on Playa Las Petroleras. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 45(2), 409–426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01281-6
McQuilken, J., & Hilson, G. (2006). Small-scale gold mining in Ghana: Evidence to inform an ‘action dialogue’. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), London. https://pubs.iied.org/16618iied
Mohammadi, A. A., Zarei, A., Esmaeilzadeh, M., Taghavi, M., Yousefi, M., Yousefi, Z., & Javan, S. (2020). Assessment of heavy metal pollution and human health risks in soils around an industrial zone in Neyshabur, Iran. Biological Trace Element Research, 195, 343–352. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-019-01816-1
Ocansey, I. T. (2013). Mining impact on agricultural lands and food security: Case study of towns in and around Kyebi in the Eastern Region of Ghana (Master’s thesis). Turkey University of Applied Sciences.
Patrick-Iwuanyanwu, K. C., & Udowelle, N. A. (2017). Dietary exposure and health-risk assessment of toxic and essential metals in plantain from selected communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science, 6(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5455/jeos.20170216024123
Punshon, T., Jackson, B. P., Meharg, A. A., Warczak, T., Scheckel, K., & Guerinot, M. L. (2016). Understanding arsenic agronomic systems to predict uptake by crop plants. Science of the Total Environment, 581–582, 209–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.111
Stehouwer, R. (2010). Lead in residential soils: Sources, testing, and reducing exposure. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/lead-in-residential-soils-sources-testing-and-reducing-exposure
World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Mercury and health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mercury-and-health
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. (2000). Air quality guidelines for Europe (2nd ed.). https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/74732/E71922.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). (2005). Manganese and its compounds: Environmental aspects (Concise International Chemical Assessment Document No. 63). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241530631
Wuana, R. A., & Okieimen, F. E. (2011). Heavy metals in contaminated soils: A review of sources, chemistry, risks and best available strategies for remediation. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2011, Article ID 402647. https://doi.org/10.5402/2011/402647
Zhong, T., Chen, D., & Zhang, X. (2016). Identification of potential sources of mercury (Hg) in farmland soil using a decision tree method in China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(11), 1111. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13111111
El-Naggar, A., Ahmed, N., Mosa, N. A., Niazi, N. K., Yousaf, B., Sharma, A., Sarkar, B., Yanjiang, C., & Chang, S. X. (2021). Nickel in soil and water: Sources, biogeochemistry, and remediation using biochar. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 419, 126421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126421
Zambelli, B., Uversky, V. N., & Ciurli, S. (2016). Nickel impact on human health: An intrinsic disorder perspective. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics, 1864(11), 1714–1731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbapap.2016.09.008
Collin, S., Baskar, A., Geevarghese, D. M., Ali, M. N. V. S., Bahubali, P., Choudhary, R., Lvov, V., Tovarf, G. I., Senatov, F., Koppala, S., & Swamiappan, S. (2022). Bioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects in plants: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 3, 100064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100064
Balkhair, K. S., & Ashraf, M. A. (2016). Field accumulation risks of heavy metals in soil and vegetable crop irrigated with sewage water in western region of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 23(1), S32–S44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.09.023
Mensah, A.K., Obeng, A.S., Addai, P., Owusu-Ansah, A., & Owusu-Ansah, D.-G.E.J. (2025). Potentially harmful elements in mining sites in Ghana: assessment of their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults. Management of Environmental Quality, 36(2), 539–561.
FAO. (2006). Guidelines for Soil Description (4th ed.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Carter, M. R., & Gregorich, E. G. (2007). Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
Boahen, E., Fosu-mensah, B. Y., Koranteng, S. S., Darko, D. A., Obuobi, G., & Mensah, M. (2024). Potentially Toxic Elements ’ Accumulation and Health Risk of Consuming Vegetables Cultivated along the Accra-Tema Motorway. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6438563
Okechukwu, E. K., Ijeoma, L. P., , Chinenye, E. A., Kalu, S. O., Chibuike, E. K., & Chijioke, J. N.(2020). Nutritive and Anti-Nutritive Evaluation of Cocoyam (Colocasia Esculenta L. Schott) Inflorescence. American Journal of Food Science and Technology, 8(2), 42–48. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajfst-8-2-1
Ashraf, I., Ahmad, F., Sharif, A., Altaf, A. R., & Teng, H. (2021). Heavy metals assessment in water, soil, vegetables and their associated health risks via consumption of vegetables, District Kasur, Pakistan. SN Applied Sciences, 3(5), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04547-y
Addai-Arhin, S., Novirsa, R., Jeong, H. H., Phan, Q. D., Hirota, N., Ishibashi, Y., Shiratsuchi, H., & Arizono, K. (2022). The human health risks assessment of mercury in soils and plantains from farms in selected artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities around Obuasi, Ghana. Journal of applied toxicology : JAT, 42(2), 258–273. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.4209
Carter, M. R., & Gregorich, E. G. (Eds.). (2007). Soil sampling and methods of analysis (2nd ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420005271
Alloway, B. J. (2013). Heavy metals in soils: Trace metals and metalloids in soils and their bioavailability (3rd ed.). Springer.
Quarm, J. A., Anning, A. K., Fei-Baffoe, B., Siaw, V. F., & Amuah, E. E. Y. (2022). Perception of the environmental, socio-economic and health impacts of artisanal gold mining in the Amansie West District, Ghana. Environmental Challenges, 9, Article 100653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100653
Darko Asamoah, B., Yevugah, L. L., Borquaye, L. S., Dodd, M., & Darko, G. (2024). Spatial distribution, bioaccessibility, and human health implications of potentially toxic elements in mining-impacted topsoils in Obuasi Municipality of Ghana. Environmental geochemistry and health, 46(8), 291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-02028-w
Ametepey, S.T., Cobbina, S.J., Akpabey, F.J. et al. Health risk assessment and heavy metal contamination levels in vegetables from Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. FoodContamination 5, 5 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40550-018-0067-0
Quan-Ying, L., Xiao-Yan, L., Ji-Zheng, H., & Xiao-Qin, W. (2014). Copper contamination in soils and crops from a typical mining city in a subtropical region of China. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 139, 122–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2013.08.012
Amin, B., Ismail, A., Arshad, A., Yap, C. K., & Kamarudin, M. S. (2009). Anthropogenic impacts on heavy metal concentrations in the sediments of the Juru River, Penang, Malaysia. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 152(1–4), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0301-3
Keshavarzi, B., & Kumar, V. (2020). Contamination factor and pollution load index of heavy metals in urban soil of Ahvaz, Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 79(6), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-020-08921-4
Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly (ASMA) (2018). Vegetation. Retrieved from http://asma.gov.gh/index.php/vegetation/
Adu-Baffour, F., Daum, T., & Birner, R. (2021). Governance challenges of small-scale gold mining in Ghana: Insights from a process net-map study. Land Use Policy Vol. 102, 105271.
Ahamad, M. I., Song, J., Sun, H., Wang, X., Mehmood, M. S., Sajid, M., Khan, A. J., & others. (2020). Contamination level, ecological risk, and source identification of heavy metals in the hyporheic zone of the Weihe River, China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(4), 1239. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041239
Alejandro, S., Höller, S., Meier, B., & Peiter, E. (2020). Manganese in plants: From acquisition to subcellular allocation. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 300. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00300
Amaglo, F. K., & Nyarko, E. S. (2012). Mineral nutrient content of commonly consumed leafy vegetables in northern Ghana. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 12(3), 6157–6170. https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.50.11079
Attua, E. M., Annan, S. T., & Nyame., F. ( 2014 ). Water quality analysis of rivers used as drinking sources in artisanal gold mining communities of the Akyem-Abuakwa area. Ghana Journal of Geography Vol. 6, 24 – 41.
Balali-Mood, M., Naseri, K., Tahergorabi, Z., Khazdair, M. R., & Sadeghi, M. (2021). Toxic mechanisms of five heavy metals: Mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 643972. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.643972
Bansah, K. J., Yalley, B. A., Duamkor-Dupey, N. K., & Sakyi-Addo, G. B. (2016). Small scale mining in Ghana: Improving operations by utilizing professional engineers. In Proceedings of the 4th UMaT Biennial International Mining and Mineral Conference (pp. 24–34). University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana.
Barbieri, M. (2016). The importance of enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) to evaluate the soil contamination. Journal of Geology & Geophysics, 5(1), 237. https://doi.org/10.4172/2381-8719.1000237
Basu, M. (2023). Impact of mercury and its toxicity on health and environment: A general perspective. In N. Kumar (Ed.), Mercury Toxicity (pp. 55–67). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-7719-2_4
Bentum, J., Owusu–Ansah, B. L., & Koranteng-Addo, E. (2011). Levels of zinc, copper, iron and manganese in soils of abandoned mine pits around the Tarkwa gold mining area of Ghana. Advances in Applied Science Research, 2(1), 280–288.
Blancher, R., Rehm, G., & Caldwell., A. C. (1965). Sulphur in plant materials by digestion with nitric and perchloric acid. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 29:, 71-72.
Chauhan, S., Thakur, R., & Sharma, G. (2008). Nickel: Its availability and reactions in soil. Jr. of Industrial Pollution Control 24 (1), 1-8.
Chupezi, T. J., Ingram, V., & Schure, J. (2009). Impacts of artisanal gold and diamond mining on livelihoods and the environment in the Sangha Tri-National Park landscape. Indonesia: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor/002900
Donkor, A., Bonzongo, J.-C. J., Nartey, V. K., & Adotey, D. K. (2006). Mercury in different environmental compartments of the Pra River Basin, Ghana. Science of the Total Environment, 368(1), 164–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.09.059
Ekhator, O. C., Udowelle, N. A., Igbiri, S., Asomugha, R. N., Igweze, Z. N., & Orisakwe, O. E. (2017). Safety evaluation of potential toxic metals exposure from street foods consumed in Mid-West Nigeria. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2017, 8458057. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8458057
European Environment Agency (EEA). (2007). Progress in management of contaminated sites (CSI 015/LSI 003). Retrieved from http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/progress-in-management-of-contaminated-sites
European Environmental Agency (EEA). (2007). Progress in management of of contaminated sites(CSI 015/LSI 003). Retrieved from http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators
Gyamfi, O., Sørensen, P., Darko, G., Ansah, E., Vorkamp, K., & Bak, J. (2020). Contamination, exposure and risk assessment of mercury in the soils of an artisanal gold mining community in Ghana. Chemosphere. 267. 128910. 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128910.
Harvard University. (2017). The Nutrition Source. Retrieved from Whole Grains: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/whole-grains/
Hochmuth, G. (2017). Iron (Fe) Nutrition of Plants. SL353.
Holtra, A., & Zamorska, D. (2020). The pollution indices of trace elements in soils and plants close to the copper and zinc smelting works in Poland's Lower Silesia. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27, 16086–16099. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-08113-5
Howe, P., Malcolm, M. H., & Dobson, S. (2005). Manganese and its compounds. WHO Concise International Chemical Assessment Document No. 63. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/43 242
Jorfi, S., Maleki, R., Jaafarzadeh, N., & Ahmadi, M. (2017). Pollution load index for heavy metals in Mian-Ab plain soil, Khuzestan, Iran. Data in Brief, 15, 584–590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2017.10.017
Kamunda, C., Mathuthu, M., & Madhuku, M. (2016). Health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils from Witwatersrand gold mining basin, South Africa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(7), 663. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13070663
Keshavarzi, A., & Kamar, V. (2020). Spatial distribution and potential ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Northeastern Iran. Geology, Ecology, and Landscapes, 4(2), 87–103. https:doi.org/10.1080/24749508.2019.1704018
Khan, A., Khan, S., Khan, M. A., Qamar, Z., & Waqas, M. (2015). The uptake and bioaccumulation of heavy metals by food plants, their effects on plant nutrients, and associated health risk: A review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 22, 13772–13799. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-4881-0
Kowalska, J. B., Mazurek, R., Gąsiorek, M., & Zaleski, T. (2018). Pollution indices as useful tools for the comprehensive evaluation of the degree of soil contamination–A review. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 40, 2395–2420. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-018-0106-z
Lam, E. J., Urrutia, J., Bech, J., et al. (2023). Heavy metal pollution index calculation in geochemistry assessment: A case study on Playa Las Petroleras. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 45(2), 409–426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01281-6
McQuilken, J., & Hilson, G. (2006). Small-scale gold mining in Ghana: Evidence to inform an ‘action dialogue’. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), London. https://pubs.iied.org/16618iied
Mohammadi, A. A., Zarei, A., Esmaeilzadeh, M., Taghavi, M., Yousefi, M., Yousefi, Z., & Javan, S. (2020). Assessment of heavy metal pollution and human health risks in soils around an industrial zone in Neyshabur, Iran. Biological Trace Element Research, 195, 343–352. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-019-01816-1
Ocansey, I. T. (2013). Mining impact on agricultural lands and food security: Case study of towns in and around Kyebi in the Eastern Region of Ghana (Master’s thesis). Turkey University of Applied Sciences.
Patrick-Iwuanyanwu, K. C., & Udowelle, N. A. (2017). Dietary exposure and health-risk assessment of toxic and essential metals in plantain from selected communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science, 6(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5455/jeos.20170216024123
Punshon, T., Jackson, B. P., Meharg, A. A., Warczak, T., Scheckel, K., & Guerinot, M. L. (2016). Understanding arsenic agronomic systems to predict uptake by crop plants. Science of the Total Environment, 581–582, 209–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.111
Stehouwer, R. (2010). Lead in residential soils: Sources, testing, and reducing exposure. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/lead-in-residential-soils-sources-testing-and-reducing-exposure
World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Mercury and health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mercury-and-health
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. (2000). Air quality guidelines for Europe (2nd ed.). https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/74732/E71922.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). (2005). Manganese and its compounds: Environmental aspects (Concise International Chemical Assessment Document No. 63). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241530631
Wuana, R. A., & Okieimen, F. E. (2011). Heavy metals in contaminated soils: A review of sources, chemistry, risks and best available strategies for remediation. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2011, Article ID 402647. https://doi.org/10.5402/2011/402647
Zhong, T., Chen, D., & Zhang, X. (2016). Identification of potential sources of mercury (Hg) in farmland soil using a decision tree method in China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 13(11), 1111. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13111111
El-Naggar, A., Ahmed, N., Mosa, N. A., Niazi, N. K., Yousaf, B., Sharma, A., Sarkar, B., Yanjiang, C., & Chang, S. X. (2021). Nickel in soil and water: Sources, biogeochemistry, and remediation using biochar. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 419, 126421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126421
Zambelli, B., Uversky, V. N., & Ciurli, S. (2016). Nickel impact on human health: An intrinsic disorder perspective. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics, 1864(11), 1714–1731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbapap.2016.09.008
Collin, S., Baskar, A., Geevarghese, D. M., Ali, M. N. V. S., Bahubali, P., Choudhary, R., Lvov, V., Tovarf, G. I., Senatov, F., Koppala, S., & Swamiappan, S. (2022). Bioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects in plants: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 3, 100064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100064
Balkhair, K. S., & Ashraf, M. A. (2016). Field accumulation risks of heavy metals in soil and vegetable crop irrigated with sewage water in western region of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 23(1), S32–S44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.09.023
Mensah, A.K., Obeng, A.S., Addai, P., Owusu-Ansah, A., & Owusu-Ansah, D.-G.E.J. (2025). Potentially harmful elements in mining sites in Ghana: assessment of their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults. Management of Environmental Quality, 36(2), 539–561.
FAO. (2006). Guidelines for Soil Description (4th ed.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Carter, M. R., & Gregorich, E. G. (2007). Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis (2nd ed.). CRC Press.
Boahen, E., Fosu-mensah, B. Y., Koranteng, S. S., Darko, D. A., Obuobi, G., & Mensah, M. (2024). Potentially Toxic Elements ’ Accumulation and Health Risk of Consuming Vegetables Cultivated along the Accra-Tema Motorway. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6438563
Okechukwu, E. K., Ijeoma, L. P., , Chinenye, E. A., Kalu, S. O., Chibuike, E. K., & Chijioke, J. N.(2020). Nutritive and Anti-Nutritive Evaluation of Cocoyam (Colocasia Esculenta L. Schott) Inflorescence. American Journal of Food Science and Technology, 8(2), 42–48. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajfst-8-2-1
Ashraf, I., Ahmad, F., Sharif, A., Altaf, A. R., & Teng, H. (2021). Heavy metals assessment in water, soil, vegetables and their associated health risks via consumption of vegetables, District Kasur, Pakistan. SN Applied Sciences, 3(5), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04547-y
Addai-Arhin, S., Novirsa, R., Jeong, H. H., Phan, Q. D., Hirota, N., Ishibashi, Y., Shiratsuchi, H., & Arizono, K. (2022). The human health risks assessment of mercury in soils and plantains from farms in selected artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities around Obuasi, Ghana. Journal of applied toxicology : JAT, 42(2), 258–273. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.4209
Carter, M. R., & Gregorich, E. G. (Eds.). (2007). Soil sampling and methods of analysis (2nd ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420005271
Alloway, B. J. (2013). Heavy metals in soils: Trace metals and metalloids in soils and their bioavailability (3rd ed.). Springer.
Quarm, J. A., Anning, A. K., Fei-Baffoe, B., Siaw, V. F., & Amuah, E. E. Y. (2022). Perception of the environmental, socio-economic and health impacts of artisanal gold mining in the Amansie West District, Ghana. Environmental Challenges, 9, Article 100653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100653
Darko Asamoah, B., Yevugah, L. L., Borquaye, L. S., Dodd, M., & Darko, G. (2024). Spatial distribution, bioaccessibility, and human health implications of potentially toxic elements in mining-impacted topsoils in Obuasi Municipality of Ghana. Environmental geochemistry and health, 46(8), 291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-02028-w
Ametepey, S.T., Cobbina, S.J., Akpabey, F.J. et al. Health risk assessment and heavy metal contamination levels in vegetables from Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. FoodContamination 5, 5 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40550-018-0067-0
Quan-Ying, L., Xiao-Yan, L., Ji-Zheng, H., & Xiao-Qin, W. (2014). Copper contamination in soils and crops from a typical mining city in a subtropical region of China. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 139, 122–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2013.08.012
Amin, B., Ismail, A., Arshad, A., Yap, C. K., & Kamarudin, M. S. (2009). Anthropogenic impacts on heavy metal concentrations in the sediments of the Juru River, Penang, Malaysia. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 152(1–4), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0301-3
Keshavarzi, B., & Kumar, V. (2020). Contamination factor and pollution load index of heavy metals in urban soil of Ahvaz, Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 79(6), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-020-08921-4
Issue
Section
Research Articles
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) © Author (s)
How to Cite
Environmental and health risks of potentially toxic element concentrations in soil and foodstuffs from Abuakwa South Municipality, Ghana. (2025). Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 17(3), 1019-1033. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v17i3.6576
