Mercury and lead pollution in rivers in Ghana: geo-accumulation index, contamination factor, and water quality index

Abstract

The main environmental problem in Kumasi is water pollution, but little is done about this. Neither water quality nor the degree of heavy metal contamination in Kumasi has been assessed. The degree of mercury and lead pollution in Kumasi was investigated in this study by determining the geo-accumulation index, the contamination factor, and the water quality index (WQI) of mercury and lead in selected rivers in Kumasi. Mercury and lead concentrations were the highest in the Aboabo River, particularly in the Anloga area. This was attributed largely to electronic waste dumping, collection, and processing in the area. The WQI of the rivers indicated that the water was unsuitable for drinking. It is also shown that the water should not be used for crop cultivation or animal rearing, which are among the anthropogenic activities that are both carried out along the rivers, to limit risk to human health. HIGHLIGHTS Mercury and lead concentrations in the Aboabo River exceed the WHO recommended maxima.; The poor water quality limits the usability of the river water.; Phytoremediation in the Gyinyase area contributed to the water quality of the Wewe River.; Sustainable environmental policies and practices can reduce water pollution.;

Keywords

• contamination factor
• geo-accumulation index
• heavy metal
• water pollution
• water quality index