Environmental And Human Health Risk Assessment Of Toxic Metals In Water And Sediments From Some Artisanal And Small-Scale Mining Communities In The Amansie South District Of Ghana

Abstract

This study sought to examine the environmental and human risk assessment of small-scale and artisanal gold mining in the Amansie South district. A cross-sectional study design was used for the study. A total of Sixty-six (66) different samples of soil, sediments, and water were sampled from ten rivers in the Amansie South district from July to October 2023 for the study. Soil sediments, soil samples and water samples were collected and analyze using AAS. In addition, structured questionnaires were issued to ascertain from respondents the various mining activities and the possible effects of those activities on their health. The study found widespread water pollution by mercury, lead, and cadmium, significantly exceeding the WHO permissible limit (0.01 mg/L for Pb, 0.05 mg/L for Hg and 0.03 mg/L for Cd). While arsenic and copper were within the WHO permissible limits (0.01 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L respectively) for most water types. Residents reported water quality issues and believed mining caused them, with many experiencing health problems. Diseases associated with heavy metals according to the respondents were urinal diseases, hypertension, and arthritis. Urinal diseases was experienced by 18 (90%), hypertension 17 (85%) and arthritis 15 (75%). This study confirms extensive environmental damage from small-scale mining in the district. The analysis confirms widespread water and soil pollution by heavy metals exceeding safety limits, threatening both human health and environmental well-being. Government and stakeholders in the mining industry must strengthen enforcement of existing regulations or introduce new policies to control mining activities and mitigate environmental contamination.