AAMUSTED Knowledge Manager

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    The Impact Of Fashion Trend On Ethnic Clothing In Ghana: Case Study Of The Upper West Region Of Ghana
    (2023-06) Rukaya Yakubu
    The purpose of this study was to explore how fashion trend has affected ethnic clothing in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study was guided by the achievement of four specific objectives. It used an exploratory qualitative research method and semi-structured interviews to collect data from fifty-five (55) respondents chosen through a combination of accidental and snowball sampling techniques. The study found that fashion trend has led to the sinking and dwindling of interest of the people in the Upper West Region in the ethnic clothing and the cultural significance and ideals that go along with it. The study also found that fashion trend on the hand has enhanced the creative ingenuity of the ethnic clothing fashion designers by encouraging the development of new ideas, styles, and trendy looks in ethnic clothing designs. Based on the outcomes of the study, the researcher makes a recommendation. It is apparent that ethnic clothing can have a unique look, but before that can happen, the government needs to show that it cares about the business of ethnic clothing by making policies that regulate the textile industry. Individual designers and companies that make ethnic clothing must come together to form a well-run institution with a governing body that keeps an eye on the established industry. again, by introducing academic courses and programs in fashion design, ethnic clothing fashion designers and trend watchers can be trained in our academic institutions.
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    Assessment of Natural Radionuclide Contents in Local and Imported Rice Sold in Tamale Metropolis And their Health Effects On Consumers.
    (NUNIFANT, Konlan Timothy, 2024-11) NUNIFANT, Konlan Timothy
    This study determined the concentrations of natural radionuclides in locally grown and imported rice sold in Tamale metropolis using gamma ray spectrometry with a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector. Eight samples (four local and four imported samples) were bought from Tamale Central and Aboabo markets and used for the analysis. In the local rice, the mean activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-228, Ra-228, Th-232 and K-40 were 2.5 ± 0.19, 0.7 ± 0.08, 3.8 ±0.40, 4.28 ± 0.34 and 49.73 ± 3.99 Bq/kg respectively, while in the imported rice, the mean activity concentrations were 2.13 ±0.23, 1.28 ± 0.09, 4.2 ± 0.34, 1.7 ± 0.11 and 27.33 ± 2.24 Bq/kg respectively. These levels were below World average values as per UNSCEAR (2000). Comparison of the concentrations of radionuclides detected in the local and imported rice samples showed that there were no significant differences in their mean concentrations. The mean values of external and internal hazard indices for local rice were 0.0336 and 0.0404 respectively while those for imported rice were 0.0180 and 0.0237 respectively. The mean values were below unity. These indicate that the rice samples (both local and imported) are not hazardous to consumers. The mean values of Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk for the local and imported rice samples were 0.0295 x 10-3 and 0.0160 x 10-3 respectively. These values are below the world average value of 0.29 × 10−3. The results suggest that both local and imported rice sold in Tamale metropolis are radiologically safe for consumers. Continuous monitoring in each production season, similar studies in rice produced in other parts of the country and similar studies in tuber crops were recommended.
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    Contamination and Human Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Agricultural Soil at Binduri District, Upper East Region, Ghana.
    (MENSAH, Dokyi Francis, 2024-10) MENSAH, Dokyi Francis
    The contamination of agricultural soil by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) remains global human and environmental concerns. This study assessed the levels of PTEs in the agricultural soil in the Binduri district, upper east region and estimated the contamination status as well as risk to the ecology and human health. A total of 80 agricultural soil samples were collected and concentrations of 11 different PTEs (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, and Zn) were analyzed using a Niton XL3t GOLDD+ X – ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. The mean concentrations of the PTEs in mg/kg in the samples were 2.909, 19.427, 74.886, 24.276, 240.927, 32.539, 4.159, 1991.816, 39.32, and 37.966 for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, and Zn respectively. The results indicated a substantial build – up of PTEs in the agricultural soil at the study area compared to natural abundance. The mean concentration of cadmium and cobalt (19.472 mg/kg and 74.886 mg/kg) respectively exceeded the acceptable limits by CCME soil quality guidelines of (1.4 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) respectively amongst the 11 elements analyzed. The pollution status of the agricultural soil at the study area were determined using the various pollution estimation models including; geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, enrichment factor, potential ecological risk, Nemerow’s pollution load index, and pollution load index. The results of the pollution estimation models indicated that Cd and Co were the most significant pollutants. The risk assessment was determined, taking into account all the exposure route (ingestion, inhalation and dermal), for both adults and children. The results showed that children were more at risk than adults. The non – carcinogenic risk (HI) values for adults and children were found to be above 1, indicating a high risk. The carcinogenic risk (CR) values for adults and children were also found to be significant with Co and Cd contributing the most to the risk. The sources of contamination were identified as anthropogenic activities such as auto-mechanic services, the use of fertilizer and pesticides, improper waste disposal, mining from the nearby communities and districts, and irrigation with contaminated water. The study highlights the importance of monitoring potentially toxic elements in agricultural soil to protect human health.
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    Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Soils and Crops Grown in the Asante-Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana and their Associated Health Risks.
    (MOHAMMED, Osman, 2024-10) MOHAMMED, Osman
    Pesticides applications on crops production have contributed immensely to crops’ yield. Nevertheless, their applications on vegetables could have adverse effects on the health satus of consumers. This study was therefore intended to determine pesticide residues in soils and crops (cocoyam tubers and leaves, cassava and maize) and their associated health risks. The crops were analysed for organochlorine (OC), organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) pesticides. Pesticides residues were extracted using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) mini multi-residue procedure and their levels analysed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) equipped with 1.0 mL/min flow detector. OCPs levels in crops ranged from 0.001 to 0.086 mg/kg, OPPs levels in soils ranged from 0.004 to 7.446 mg/kg whilst that of carbamates ranged from 0.040 to 0.192 mg/kg. Concentrations of Chlordane, Diedrin, Endosulfan, Endrin and Heptachlor (OCs), carbamates (Carbofuran and Carbaryl) and OPPs except Profenofos in the crops were above the maximum residual limits (MRLs) recommended by United State Environmental Protection Agency and European Union. These high levels of pesticides residues in the crops could affect the health status of consumers. Positive and negative correlations existed between moisture contents, exchangeable cations, pH, organic matter, sand, silt and clay contents of the soils and some pesticides levels in the crops. These imply that soil properties influenced distributions of pesticides levels in the crops. Even though, computed Hazard Indexes (HIs) and Hazard Quotients (HQs) of pesticide residues were below 1, continuous consumption of the crops could cause certain health risks in consumers due to bioaccumulation in tissues. I recommend that agriculture extension officers should educate farmers on proper handling and how to use approved pesticides in the right proportions during application on crops.
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    Contamination Levels, Source Apportionment and Human Health Risks Assessment of Toxic Elements from a Mining District.
    (ALHASSAN, Issifu, 2024-08) ALHASSAN, Issifu
    While artisanal and small-scale mining is important to local economies, their operations pose significant environmental and public health risks because they release potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into the ecosystem. This study examines the contamination, sources apportionment, and associated human health risks of PTEs at Manwe in the Wa East District of Ghana. An X-ray Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer was used to measure PTE concentrations in sixty-five soil samples collected from key artisanal mining sites in the study area except mercury which was determined using Lumex mercury analyzer. Other parameters measured were pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter content. The pH values in the samples ranged from 5.30 to 8.67, indicating that the soil varies significantly whereas some parts are slightly acidic, others are somewhat alkaline. The region has low organic content, with a mean organic matter content of 2.3% and an average electrical conductivity of 125.0 µS/cm, indicating moderate salinity levels. These parameters provide important context for the behaviour and mobility of PTEs in their environment. The mean PTE concentrations found in the soil samples were As (405.740 mg/kg), Pb (3.797 mg/kg), V (67.46 mg/kg), Ni (29.93 mg/kg), Cd (20.45 mg/kg), Co (104.83 mg/kg), Hg (40.46 mg/kg), Cr (40.46 mg/kg), Cu (27.28 mg/kg), Hg (0.35 mg/kg) and Zn (28.69 mg/kg). The results revealed that concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Co in the sampled areas were significantly higher than the crustal average, raising concerns about environmental contamination from mining activities. Environmental pollution indices were used to assess the degree of contamination using models such as the geochemical load index, enrichment factor, contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index, which revealed that the soils were heavily polluted by Cd, moderately polluted by Co, and unpolluted by other elements. EF showed the soil was significantly enriched by Cd (220.0), while As (10.36) and Co (15.40) are moderately enriched. The CF indicated low contamination for the majority of the metals studied, except As (3.06) and Co (5.52) which are significantly contaminated, while Cd (68.16) showed high contamination. The value of PLI > 1 (2.2) suggests the soil is polluted as a result of the mining activities. The principal component analysis (PCA) used to predict the sources of these PTEs revealed significant anthropogenic contributions of mercury, arsenic, cobalt, and cadmium, resulting in elevated PTE levels in the soil. These anthropogenic activities included mining, pesticide and phosphate-based fertilizer application, vehicular and grinding mills, auto mechanic workshops, with natural sources accounting for only a small portion. Using human health risk assessment models, the elements' total hazard index (HI) for ingestion and dermal contact in adults and children was greater than one, indicating a likely non-carcinogenic health risk effect. The cancer risk (CR) value for ingestion and dermal exposure pathways exceeded permissible limits (1 x 10−6 to 1 × 10−4), posing health risks to residents. The levels of these PTEs were discovered to pose a significant risk to both adults and children, with children being more susceptible to exposure, primarily through oral ingestion and skin contact. Arsenic and cadmium were identified as the most dangerous elements, with long-term exposure potentially leading to cancer, kidney damage, and neurological disorders. This study recommends that adequate attention be directed toward a thorough risk assessment of PTEs in the study area.