Oil produced from Ghana Shea Nut crop for prospective industrial applications.

Though little research has been done, shea nut oil (Shea Butter), is a promising shea product with great potential for use in industrial shea product manufacture. To assess the oil obtained from the shea nuts for personal, commercial, and industrial use, this study focuses on the extraction process, the optimal solvent for extraction, thermodynamics and kinetic studies, and characterization of the oil. Using different solvents as well as extraction temperatures and times, the oil was extracted using the solvent extraction method. Moreover, models of thermodynamics and kinetics were used in examining the Shea nut oil extraction at different durations and temperatures. At the highest temperature of 333 K (at 130min), the highest oil yields of 70.2 % and 59.9 % for n-hexane and petroleum ether, respectively, were obtained, following first order kinetics. For both petroleum ether and n-hexane, the regression coefficient (R2) was 1. For the extraction with n-hexane and petroleum ether, the mass transfer coefficient (Km), activation energy (Ea), entropy change (ΔS), enthalpy change (ΔH), and Gibb's free energy (ΔG) were, respectively, (0.0098 ± 0.0061 and 0.0123 ± 0.0084) min-1, 74.59 kJ mol-1 and 88.65 kJ mol-1, (-236.15 ± 0.16 and -235.63 ± 0.17) J/mol K, (71.88 ± 0.06 and 85.94 ± 0.06) kJ/mol, and (148.75 ± 1.52 and 162.46 ± 1.52) kJ/mol. These values favor an irreversible, forward, endothermic, and spontaneous process. Gas chromatography analysis was used to identify the principal fatty acids in the oil, which include stearic acid (52 %), oleic acid (30 %), and linoleic acid (3 %), as well as various minor fatty acids. The oil's potential bonds and functional groups were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared analysis, and the physicochemical parameters such as the iodine value, peroxide value, acid and free fatty acid values were found to be within acceptable ranges for use in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings.

Implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP) to improve the quality of smoked fish (Scombercolias).

For several years, fish smoking has been the widely adopted processing method among artisanal fish smokers located along the coastal zones in many parts of West Africa including Ghana. However, several issues pertaining to biochemical and microbiological contaminants still remain, mainly because of the suboptimal, unhygienic fish handling during the processing. To help curtail the problem, we developed and implemented a simple good manufacturing practice (GMP) system for experimentation at two local fish smoking facilities (Facility A, FA; Facility B, FB) to assess the effectiveness for improving the quality of smoked fish. The implementation of GMP did not affect the physical properties of the smoked fish but improved the peroxide value, total volatile base nitrogen, polyaromantic hydrocarbons and histamine levels. The total aerobic counts decreased from 3.96 ± 0.12 cfu/g to 1.52 ± 0.28 cfu/g (FA) or from 4.10 ± 0.2 cfu/g to 1.85 ± 0.85 cfu/g, (FB). The coliforms and Escherichia coli decreased respectively from 1.69 ± 0.12 cfu/g and 1.15 ± 0.21 cfu/g (FA) and from 1.74 ± 0.37 cfu/g and 1.24 ± 0.37 cfu/g, (FB) to below detection (no observed colony) after introducing the single use of potable water, use of smoking oven and fish core temperature of 108.1 ± 7.5 °C and 82.5 ± 3.9 °C, respectively for 2 h, wearing of safety apparels, drying and cooling of smoked fish under nets, and the use of waste disposal bins. The results show that sensitization and training of fish smokers in GMP may be relevant for improving the microbial and overall quality of smoked fish.

Microplastics in the Gulf of Guinea: An analysis of concentrations and distribution in sediments, gills, and guts of fish collected off the coast of Ghana.

Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) accumulate in marine environments, impacting marine organism health. This study examined MPs in sediment and two pelagic fish species (S. maderensis and I. africana) in Ghana's Gulf of Guinea. The study found an average concentration of 0.144 ± 0.061 items/g (dry weight) in the sediment, with pellets and transparent particles being the most common types. The concentration of MPs in contaminated fish ranged from 8.35 to 20.95, with fibers and pellets being the most abundant plastic-type in fish. Individual organ concentrations of MPs varied. In fish gills, concentrations ranged from 1 to 26 MPs/individual for I. africana and 1-22 MPs/individual for S. maderensis. Concentrations in the fish guts ranged from 1 to 29 MPs/individual for I. africana and 2-24 MPs/individual for S. maderensis. Results from the study highlight the importance of both gills and guts as important organs in terms of microplastic contamination and emphasize the significance of monitoring microplastic contamination in fish gills and guts. This offers valuable insight into the impact of MPs on the marine environment and human health.

Impact assessment of high-risk analytes in produced water from oil and gas industry.

This study characterizes and evaluates the constituents of produced water at production wells and dumping sites. The study examined the impact of offshore petroleum mining activities on aquatic systems for regulatory compliance and the selection of management and disposal options. The physicochemical analyses of produced water from the three study locations were within the permissible range for pH, temperature, and conductivity. Of the four heavy metals detected, mercury had the lowest concentration at 0.002 mg/L, while arsenic the metalloid, and iron had the highest concentrations at 0.038 mg/L and 36.1 mg/L, respectively. The total alkalinity values for the produced water in this study are about six-fold compared to the other three locations (Cape Three Point, Dixcove, University of Cape Coast). Compared to the other locations, produced water had higher toxicity to Daphnia, with an EC50 value of 80.3 %. The levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) analyzed in this study were all insignificant in terms of toxicity. The total hydrocarbon concentrations indicated a high level of environmental impact. However, considering the possible breakdown of total hydrocarbons over time, and the marine ecosystem's high pH and salinity conditions, further recordings and observations should be conducted to ascertain the overall cumulative effects of oil drilling activities at the Jubilee oil fields along the shores of Ghana.

Removal of reactive violet 5 azodye (V5R) using bamboo, and calabash biochar.

We assess the adsorption capacity of bamboo and calabash biochar (BB and CB). Using 10-50 mg/L Reactive Violet 5 Azo dye (V5R) adsorbate, the kinetics, and adsorption isotherms are investigated. We pyrolyzed the bamboo, and calabash biomass at 500 °C, washed, and oven dried at 120 °C for 48 h. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method indicates that the BB and CB average pore diameters are 21.1 nm and 26.5 nm, with specific surface areas of 174.67 m2/g and 44.78 m2/g, respectively. The SEM reveals a larger granular shape of the CB having pinholes on the surface, but the BB exhibited interconnected structures like a mesh. The FTIR shows C=C, C=O, O-H, and C-O-C as the predominant functional groups on both BB and CB. The adsorption of V5R on BB and CB follows pseudo-second-order kinetics and favors Langmuir isotherm with maximum adsorption capacities of 5.106 mg/g, and 0.010 mg/g, respectively. The BB adsorbs 70.9-96% V5R, whilst CB adsorbs 0.1-0.2 % only. The results suggest that bamboo biochar has the potential to eliminate 70.9-96% of 10-50 mg/L V5R from an aqueous solution, hence suitable for removing V5R. In this study, we have also presented a prototype expected to eliminate 91.6%-99.8% of the V5R from an aqueous solution.

Assessing contamination of microplastics in the Ghanaian coastal sea using a self-constructed LADI trawl.

Almost everywhere in the marine ecosystem contains microplastics. Although their environmental contamination is a global problem, relatively little is known about their distribution and abundance in the Gulf of Guinea. This study looked at the spatial dynamics of microplastics in the sea surface water off the coast of Ghana. Four chosen areas were found to have non-variable concentrations ranging from 1.14 to 2.79 particles m-3 using a self-constructed Low-Tech Aquatic Debris Instrument (LADI) trawl (333 µm mesh). The most abundant shapes were fragments and pellets, while the most common colors were colored and transparent particles. The polymer types found in the microplastics selected for investigation using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode (ATR-FT-IR) were Polypropylene, Polyethylene, and Polystyrene. These results provide an important baseline on microplastic pollution along the Ghanaian coast suggesting the LADI trawl as an accurate quantitative sampling tool for microplastics from sea surface water.

Postmarketing Surveillance for the Photosensitised Oxidation of Vegetable Oils in the Marketplace.

This study conducts postmarketing surveillance for the photosensitised oxidation of vegetable oils (VOs) stored in different conditions in the marketplace during commercialisation. Coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil were exposed to direct sunlight and kept in the dark for six weeks. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in PV and a severe decrease in the iodine value, chlorophyll, ß-carotene, colour content, and the fatty acid compositions (oleic and linoleic acids mainly) in the light-exposed VOs. The FTIR analysis also identified the formation of the hydroperoxides (3444 cm-1), secondary oxidation products (1743 - 1723 cm-1) and the loss of the cis-disubstituted olefins (723 cm-1) bands in the light-exposed VOs. This indicated that oils exposed to light for an extended period of time could undergo photosensitised oxidation due to photosensitisers like chlorophyll. In contrast, the unexposed VOs showed no significant change (p > 0.05) in their chemical compositions. The photosensitised oxidation increased in the order: coconut oil < palm kernel oil < soybean oil < sunflower oil.

The need for alternative pest management methods to mitigate risks among cocoa farmers in the Volta region, Ghana.

The objective of this study is to assess the adoption of alternative pest management methods to reduce risks among cocoa farmers in the Volta region. Cultural control methods found to be the most practiced alternative pest management, especially in the Ho West district where majority of the farmers were more knowledgeable of alternative pest control methods. There was significant relationship between agrochemical shop services (χ2 = 13,028, p < 0.000), farming years of experience (χ2 = 16.424, p < 0.002), knowledge in degree of pest infestation (χ2 = 8.498, p < 0.000), education (χ2 = 10.557, p < 0.014), farmers' community (χ2 = 39.275, p < 0.000) and farmers' knowledge on alternative pest control methods. Farmers who relied on agrochemical shop services for pest control methods were 87% less likely to be knowledgeable on alternative pest control methods while those who considered degree of pest infestation in pest management were (OR = 1.150, p <0.008) more likely to be knowledgeable on alternative pest control methods. For the socio-cultural factors, Leklebi Kame (OR = 9.53-e 08, p < 0.000), Bla (OR = 0.280, p < 0.027) and Gbledi Chebi (OR = 0.287, p < 0.053) were less likely to be knowledgeable on alternative method of pest control compared to Kpedze. Fellow farmers and extension agents were the major sources of information on alternative pest control methods in the study area. Economic, technical, unavailability of labour, and farm implements were factors hampering adoption of alternative pest control methods in the study area. The most pesticide toxicological symptom reported was skin irritation and was recorded among majority of the farmers in Hohoe and Afadjato South districts where low knowledge and patronage of alternative pests control methods were identified. Awareness creation and capacity building programs should be organized through fellow farmers and extension agents on the need to reduce the use of chemical pesticide in pest management.

Two-dimensional mathematical modelling of retinal oxygen transport and recommending treatment options.

This paper presents a novel two-dimensional (2D) computational modeling of the retinal oxygen delivery, transport, and consumption analysis. The 2D modeling allows the division of the retina into four layers to address different flow profiles. The retina domain was meshed using the ICEM CFD mesher, while the ANSYS Fluent was used to calculate the transport phenomena for the four different layers. Clinical cases such as diabetes and sickle cell anaemia denoting the effects of decreasing retinal blood flow and hemoglobin's oxygen affinity were investigated. The simulation results showed that for a healthy retina in light and dark conditions, the outer retina is in danger of hypoxia at thickness >197.56µm. However, the treatment of severe ischaemia using extreme hyperoxia seems beneficial for retinal thickness >197.56µm but harmful for thickness <122.75µm. The reduction of hemoglobin's oxygen affinity at low blood flow regimes could not improve the retina's oxygen levels. The study supports the oxygen toxicity hypothesis that hypoxia causes retina degeneration and estimates the retinal thickness and lighting conditions (dark or light) this may occur.

Human health risk assessment from heavy metals in three dominant fish species of the Ankobra river, Ghana.

This study assessed heavy metal contamination of fish and its associated health risk to communities around the Ankobra River in the Western Region of Ghana. Species of fish randomly collected from different sections of the river were analyzed for Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Mn, Hg, As, Co and Cr using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Three commonly consumed fish species, Clarias gariepinus, Sarotherodon melanotheron and Pseudotolithus senegalensis, were analyzed. The health risks were assessed based on the potential non-carcinogenic effect associated with the daily consumption of fish by communities around the river. Concentrations of all the metals were higher in gills than the muscles of all three species. On average, levels of Mn (6.65 ± 7.30 mg.kg-1), Zn (2.24 ± 1.99 mg.kg-1) and Hg (3.06 ± 1.53 mg.kg-1) in all three species were above the permissible limits recommended by the Wealth Health Organization. The health risk estimated for all the heavy metals was < 1, significantly below the ≥ 1 index associated with the incidence of cancer. This suggests that fish species examined in this study pose no significant non-carcinogenic risk and are safe for human consumption.

Assessment of surface water quality status of the Aby Lagoon System in the Western Region of Ghana.

The pollution status of the Tendo Lagoon, the upstream section of the Aby Lagoon System, was investigated. The water temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), nitrates (NO3 -), and phosphate (PO4 3-) levels were evaluated using samples taken during the wet and dry seasons to assess the variabilities in water quality in the area. The water quality data was subjected to paired t-test, One-way ANOVA, Factor Analysis, Cluster analysis (CA) as well as a Water Quality Index (WQI) evaluation using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) model. The paired sample t-test confirmed that the surface water quality varies significantly between the wet and dry season samples (p < 0.05) except for phosphate loads which may be contributed largely by year-round municipal waste discharges. The results of the ANOVA showed that the variation of the water quality parameters among sampling stations was not statistically significant except for turbidity which was relatively higher in the upstream sections where the Tano River enters the lagoon. The results of FA indicated that three significant factors-relating to the degradation of organic materials, suspended solids (turbidity) and nutrients- accounted for 73.65% of spatio-temporal variations in the water quality. The CA showed that the eight sampling stations can be grouped into four distinct clusters based on their water quality. The source of pollution in the demarcated sections of the Aby Lagoon was concluded to be largely due to the result of localized anthropogenic inputs of domestic waste and sediments carried from the upstream in the Tano River. An evaluation of the CCME WQI for the sampling stations revealed that all the sampling stations showed marginal water quality relative to the target water quality range recommended by the Water Resources Commission (WRC) of Ghana for domestic use and protection of aquatic life. Monitoring programs were recommended with effective management measures instituted and implemented for the sustainability of the lagoon and the Tano River Basin.

Assessment and remediation of pollutants in Ghana's Kete-Krachi District Hospital effluents using granular and smooth activated carbon.

The need for simple, cheaper and high performance hospital effluent treatment system in Kete-Krachi District which is adjacent to the Lake Volta has necessitated this study. This study focuses on assessing, and treating Kete-Krachi District Hospital effluent using packed granular (GAC) and smooth activated carbon (SAC). The use of activated carbon is due to its less expensive method of operation, the ease to prepare from local raw materials, high availability, and effectiveness for treating hospital effluent. The dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nutrient compounds (P-PO4, N-NO3), turbidity, pH, conductivity and total coliform parameters were investigated and later treated with the activated carbon. The average conductivity and P-PO4 removals were <50%. The average BOD5, COD, coliform, N-NO3, and turbidity removals for all the SAC treatments were 58.36%, 62.26%, 84.39%, 83.86%, and 50.74%, respectively. The DO also improved 3.8 times on the average. The pH of the raw and treated samples was within the limit 6.5-9. The results of this study suggest that the SAC is predominantly effective for reducing the pollutants concentrations of the hospital effluent which can result in oxygen depletion, eutrophication, algal bloom and ecosystem disturbance in the Lake Volta. It will also decrease the susceptibility of the Kete-Krachi residents to waterborne diseases as the effluents seep into the Lake.

Solid-Phase and Oscillating Solution Crystallization Behavior of (+)- and (-)-N-Methylephedrine.

This work involves the study of the solid-phase and solution crystallization behavior of the N-methylephedrine enantiomers. A systematic investigation of the melt phase diagram of the enantiomeric N-methylephedrine system was performed considering polymorphism. Two monotropically related modifications of the enantiomer were found. Solubilities and the ternary solubility phase diagrams of N-methylephedrine enantiomers in 2 solvents [isopropanol:water, 1:3 (Vol) and (2R, 3R)-diethyl tartrate] were determined in the temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C, and 25°C and 40°C, respectively. Preferential nucleation and crystallization experiments at higher supersaturation leading to an unusual oscillatory crystallization behavior as well as a successful preferential crystallization experiment at lower supersaturation are presented and discussed.