
Marian Asantewah NkansahKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology | KNUST · Department of Chemistry
Marian Asantewah Nkansah
PhD , MRSC
About
52
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Introduction
I desire to find solutions to environmental problems associated with levels and fate of toxic substances like heavy/trace metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in food, water, soil, rocks, sediments and other environmental samples and the interaction of these pollutants with each other in the environment. I also like the dissermination of knowledge through teaching and publication.
Publications
Publications (52)
Graphical Abstract pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter and water content Fe, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cd Soil samples from Oti-Dompoase dumpsite Physiochemical properties Heavy metal analysis Abstract: Waste disposal sites contribute a great deal to environmental pollution. The degree of pollution brought on by heavy metal contamination of s...
Research has shown possible existence of heavy metals in cosmetic products, as they are known to impact colour. Assessments have been carried out on selected brands of nail polishes on Ghanaian markets in the Ashanti Region, for levels of six metals, i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminium (Al), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). A to...
This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition and the potential heavy metal health risk that may be associated with the consumption of wasawasa, a dish made from locally milled yam peels, by examining the presence of six metals (iron, nickel, chromium, sodium, and magnesium and potassium) in samples procured. Sixteen (16) sample...
Graphical Abstract pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter and water content Fe, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cd Soil samples from Oti-Dompoase dumpsite Physiochemical properties Heavy metal analysis Abstract: Waste disposal sites contribute a great deal to environmental pollution. The degree of pollution brought on by heavy metal contamination of s...
The presence of metals in milled shrimps sold on some major markets in Kumasi were investigated to ascertain their levels and the potential health risk they may pose to humans when ingested, due to the level of pollution in the marine environment where these shrimps are obtained from. The samples, which comprised of 30 composites, were analysed usi...
The concentration and bioaccessibility of potentially toxic metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, were determined in surface soil samples from a mining community (Kenyasi) and a non-mining community (Sunyani) in Ghana, to investigate the contribution of mining activities to the environmental burden of potentially toxic metals. The st...
The presence of mercury in soils has become a concern as artisanal gold mining activities in Ghana have increased significantly. This study assessed mercury concentration, spatial distribution, and potential ecological effects in surface soils throughout Ghana. Mercury concentrations were analyzed in 327 soil samples collected at 25 km by 25 km gri...
Food additives are used to enhance freshness, safety, appearance, flavour, and texture of food. Depending on the absorbed dose, exposure method, and length of exposure, heavy metals in diet may have a negative impact on human health. The X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer from Niton Thermo Scientific (Mobile Test S, NDTr-XL3t-86956, com 24) was used...
The extent of mercury contamination in soils and sediments of an artisanal gold mining community (Mpatasie) was found and the inhabitants’ awareness of the risks posed by mercury was determined using a structured questionnaire. The mean concentration of mercury in soil from the community and mining fields was 0.26 mg/kg and 6.80 mg/kg in hotspots w...
Milled flours have been a prominent component of most cuisines. Roots, tubers, and grains are cultivated and processed using technologies that might load them with toxins, including heavy metals. This investigation aimed to determine the concentration of metals in some locally milled flours of different foods in Kumasi.
This study investigated mercury pollution at two e-waste recycling sites in Ghana—Dagomba Line in Kumasi and Agbogbloshie in Accra. A total of 129 soil samples taken at 100 m and 50 m resolutions, respectively, for Dagomba Line and Agbogbloshie, were analysed for mercury using a Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry. Mercury concentrations from the...
Water containing more than 1.5 mg/L of fluoride is considered toxic as it causes dental, kidney, and other health problems. With the purpose of helping alleviate these problems by exploring a treatment method for fluoride contamination, this study was to assess the suitability of scales of Tilapia Sp. and Sciaenops ocellatus as a cheaper source of...
Contamination of food by heavy metals is a concern as consumption of contaminated food is one of the most likely human exposure routes to metals. Fufu is a delicacy in Ghana consumed mainly by the Akans. Human exposure to some heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn and Ni) through mechanically processed fufu consumption was analysed by atomic absorption spec...
Meat is a vital source of nutrients for human wellbeing and health; however, recent studies suggest a decline in meat preference as a protein source due to some health problems associated with meat intake. This study evaluates the levels of essential elements (Mn, Mg, P, Ca, K, Cu, Na, Zn and Fe) and proximate composition (protein, fat, moisture, c...
This study sought to determine the influence of commercial milling machines on metal contamination of locally produced groundnut paste, and the potential risk associated with consumption. A total of 30 groundnut paste samples were collected from 9 markets within the Kumasi Metropolis and 1 nearly district market. Metal content was determined with X...
The purpose of this study was to assess the contamination levels and human health risk that heavy metals in the dust from transport stations pose to the inhabitants of the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. Dust samples were collected from 18 transport stations and analyzed for metals including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, Sb, Ni, and Zn using X-ray fluorescence...
The presence of metal contaminants in agricultural soils and subsequent uptake by food crops can pose serious human health risk. In this study, we assessed the levels of toxic metals – arsenic, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc – in soils and some edible root tuber crops from two gold mining and two non-mining communities in Ghana...
Background. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining pose a major environmental health concern due to the potential for discharge of toxic metals into the environment.
Objectives. To determine the distribution and pollution patterns of arsenic (As), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Z...
Phosphorus is one of the key nutrients that contribute to eutrophication and excess algal growth in rivers and lakes and other surface water bodies. Such algal blooms affect the life of aquatic organisms, especially fishes, and block sunlight from reaching bottom dwelling plants thus inhibiting photosynthesis and stunting growth. In this study, saw...
This study has investigated the levels of heavy metal pollution in the soil at a typical automobile hub where a lot of oil waste, generated through vehicular maintenance and servicing, is spilled indiscriminately into the environment. Twenty-nine (29) soil samples were taken from eight (8) locations up to a depth of 2 m (i.e., the depth to water ta...
The present study sought to determine the content of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and eight phytocompounds in honey collected from twenty–three markets in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. The mineral and heavy metal contents were analysed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (novAA® 400P) and phytoconstituents by...
Street dust is a major source of pollution and exposure of residents of West Africa to toxic chemicals. There is however, limited knowledge about the chemical composition and sources of street dust in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa. The total carbon (TC), nitrogen (TN), sulfur (TS) and the stable carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C) contents of street d...
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)...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected heavy metals/metalloids in filling station dust from the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. A total of forty (40) dust samples were analysed for Fe, Ti, Zn, Zr, Mn, Sr, Ba, Cr, Pd, Ni, Cu, As and Mo using X-ray Fluorescence technique. Mean concentrations of Ba, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr,...
The distribution, and ecological risks due to toxic metals in topsoils of an urban commercial centre of Kumasi metropolis were determined. Concentrations of heavy metals in the samples were initially screened using field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer prior to confirmation on an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. The results fr...
To assess the potential risk associated with incidental ingestion of metal contaminants in soils from areas where most of the commercial activities are concentrated in Kumasi, Ghana, total and bioaccessible concentrations of metals were determined in surface soil samples. Arsenic, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in some of the samples exceeded international env...
This research was conducted to assess the safety of herbs available in the Kumasi central market with regards to heavy metal contamination. A total of 15 medicinal herbs were randomly collected. The levels of iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of the metals were in the rang...
Due to the increase in students' population over the years, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, and its surrounding communities have seen an increase in the number of beauty salons. The assessment of the quality of salon wastewater has received little attention, as a potential source of environmental and p...
Geophagia is the craving for non-food substances and commonly practiced among pregnant women and children. Consumption of geophagic clay samples can have serious implications on the health of the consumers as a result of the presence of toxic metals such as Pb, As, Hg and Cd. This study sought to determine the levels of heavy metals in the studied...
Food consumption is the most likely route of human exposure to metals. Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages. Concentrations of heavy metals and minerals in tea from 15 different brands in Kumasi, Ghana were measured to assess the health risk associated with their consumption. The mineral and metal con...
The exposure potential of children in nursery and kindergarten schools to metals in dust in the Kumasi Metropolis was studied. Dust samples from 20 selected schools were analyzed for heavy metal levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that concentrations were in the range of below detection −9.710 μg/g for cobalt, below...
The current study investigates the direct photochemical degradation of aqueous fluorene with the aid of a 125W polychromatic medium, pressure Hg lamp. The purpose was to test the effectiveness of the lamp in irradiation using fluorene spiked solution as substrate. A 700 ml volume of fluorene solution of 0.002 mg/l was irradiated batch-wise at 1, 3,...
Abstract- The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Cr, Pb, As) in meat at the Kumasi Central Abattoir, Ghana by using a Varian 220 Atom Absorption Spectrophotometer. The levels of toxic metals in meat (cow, pig, sheep, goat, grass cutter, deer) varied in concentration. The concentration of lead was abov...
The Perception and Knowledge of Insecticides and Weedicides, Use and Safety Precautions among Chemical Sellers, Farmers and Home Tenants in Kumasi, Ghana
Many farmers, home tenants and chemical sellers are ignorant of the effective and safe use of insecticides and Weedicides. Most farmers and home tenants lack the expertise to use insecticides and...
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous persistent semi-volatile organic compounds. They are contaminants that are resistant to degradation and can remain in the environment for long periods due to their high degree of conjugation, and aromaticity. PAHs are present in industrial effluents as products of incomplete combustion processe...
The reactivity of fluorene, anthracene, and fluoranthene under oxidation and reduction conditions were investigated in this study. This project looks at catalytic and green approaches of converting PAHs to less toxic and/or less stable derivatives that are amenable to further degradation. Hydrothermal reactions have been performed at 300°C with pur...
The quality of water from boreholes selected from communities in the Ejisu-Juaben (EJ) and Bosomtwi-Atwima-Kwanwoma Districts (BAK) of the Ashanti region of Ghana determined between November 2004 and June 2005 has been presented. Parameters such as temperature, pH, colour, conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, some...
Lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) has been explored as a sorbent for the removal of PAHs (phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene) from water. The efficacy of LECA as a sorbent for PAHs was assessed using contact time, mass of sorbent and sorption isotherms in a series of batch experiments. Maximum (optimum) sorption was reached at 21 h afte...
A comprehensive study on the chemical composition of rainwater was carried out in Obuasi, a
gold mining town in Ghana. Rainwater samples were analyzed for major ions (Ca2+,Mg2+, K+, Na+, NH4
+, Cl-,
NO3
- and SO4
2-) and trace metals (Fe, Al, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cd). The rainwater was typically acidic with a mean
pH of 4.76±0.47, which ranged from 4.0...
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are very stable compounds and tend to bioaccumulate in the environment due to their high degree of conjugation and aromaticity. Hydrous pyrolysis is explored as a technique for the treatment of industrial water containing PAH, using anthracene as a model compound. The reactivity of anthracene under a range of temper...
The quality of ground water in the Kwahu West District of Ghana was determined by the use of
physicochemical parameters together with trace metal contamination as indices of quality.
Standard methods for physicochemical determinations were employed. Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer was also used for the measurement of nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zin...
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in monitoring heavy metal contamination of
spices. The concentrations of some heavy metals (lead, zinc, nickel, copper, iron, and mercury) in
15 common spices available at local markets in the Kumasi Metropolis were determined using
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) from October, 2008 to Februar...
This study focused upon the determination of physicochemical and microbial properties, including metals, selected anions and coliform bacteria in drinking water samples from hand-dug wells in the Kumasi metropolis of the Republic of Ghana. The purpose was to assess the quality of water from these sources. Ten different water samples were taken from...
The physicochemical parameters of water from 17 boreholes from 11 communities in the Bosomtwi-Atwima-Kwanwoma (BAK) District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana (West Africa) were determined within the period June 2006 to investigate their quality. Analyses were done on water samples for pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), to...
In the Ashanti Region of Ghana, the physicochemical quality of groundwater sampled from 38 wells in 24 communities in Ejisu-Juaben and Bosomtwi-Atwima- Kwanwoma districts was surveyed between November 2004 and June 2005. Water samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), SO 42-, CI, PO 43-, NO 2-, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Na, K and Pb. Th...