Spatial distribution of heavy metals in drainage sediments of Axim-Tarkoradi area: Environmental implications of influence of surface geology and mineral occurrences

E.A. Owusu, J.B. de Smeth, Alidu Seidu

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Abstract

High concentration levels of heavy metals in drainage systems are major environmental concern in Ghana. The sources of these metals be it natural or anthropogenic are sometimes difficult to determine as no baseline studies were ever carried out to determine their reference levels under natural conditions prior to major human activities. The objective of this paper is to provide contribution on the spatial distribution of heavy metals and the environmental implications of the influence of surface geology and mineral occurrences in the Axim-Tarkoradi area, southwest Ghana. A total of 381 drainage sediments were collected and analyzed by ICP-AES for 19 elements (Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Ca, Sr, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Cd, Co, Ag, Cr, Fe, Mo, Ba, Sb and V) after partial acid extraction. Two groups of elemental associations were observed in the area. These are V, Co, Cr, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cu, As and; Mn and; Mo, Sr, Ba, and Li associations. The spatial distribution of the former is consistent with toleiitic basalts and the later with tonalitic granites. An analysis of variance test revealed that there is a relationship between the surface geology and the geochemical distribution patterns of the two elemental groups.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationERTEP 2007
Subtitle of host publicationFirst International Conference on Environmental Research, Technology and Policy : Building tools and capacity for sustainable production, 17 July, 2007 Accra, Ghana
Place of PublicationAccra, Ghana
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Event1st International Conference on Environmental Research, Technology and Policy, ERTEP 2007 - Accra, Ghana
Duration: 17 Jul 200719 Jul 2007
Conference number: 1

Conference

Conference1st International Conference on Environmental Research, Technology and Policy, ERTEP 2007
Abbreviated titleERTEP 2007
Country/TerritoryGhana
CityAccra
Period17/07/0719/07/07

Keywords

  • ADLIB-ART-1473
  • ESA

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