http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/958 2026-04-14T23:14:14Z 2026-04-14T23:14:14Z Amstrong, Justice Wiston Jonathan http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/12212 2025-06-09T10:48:48Z 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z

Analysis of Levels of Heavy Metals, Essential Elements and Persistent Organic Pollutants (Pops) in Human Breast Milk: A Study at the Ho Teaching Hospital Amstrong, Justice Wiston Jonathan Human breast milk is, by far, the richest source of nutrition. However, breast milk is not pristine. The study aimed to analyse breast milk at lactational stages for persistent organic pollutants (OCPs, PCBs and PFAS), five heavy metals and essential elements. Participants for the study were healthy lactating mothers (aged 18 – 42 years) from first to third week postpartum. Forty-seven participants were recruited for the study. Forty millilitres (40 mL) of colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk were collected from each participant, making a total of 150 samples. Besides, each participant completed a comprehensive questionnaire to elicit information on biodata, place of residence and dietary pattern. Ten millilitres (10 mL) aliquot of each breast milk sample was prepared, extracted and analysed for PFAS using UPLC–MS/MS. Another 10 mL aliquot sample was extracted using QUECHERS and cleaned up and analysed for OCPs and PCBs using GC – ECD and GC–MS respectively A further 10 mL aliquots sample were acid digested employing EPA Method 3010A and analysed using ICP-OES. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (Version 24), Excel Tool Pak and XLSTAT 2022.4.1.1377 and the results summarised in tables and figures. The mean Levels and ranges of PFAS detected in breast milk ranged from 2.65 ± 3.31 ng/L (PFHxA) – 83.14 ± 38.61 ng/L (PFOS). Both OCPs and PCBs analyzed were all below limits of detection. Mean levels of heavy metals in colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk respectively ranged from 0.002 (Cd) – 0.872 (Al) μg/L; 0.002 (Cd) – 0.997 (Pb) μg/L and 0.002 (Cd) – 0.564 (Al). The mean levels of essential elements ranged from 0.07 (Se) – 815.00 (K); 0.07 (Se) – 1008,00 (Na) and 0.07 (Se) – 596.00 (K) respectively during the stages of lactation. xxxii, 430p:, ill.

2023-02-01T00:00:00Z OFORI, JACOB http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/11751 2025-01-29T13:06:00Z 2023-02-01T00:00:00Z

Impacts Of Vehicular Emissions And Dust On The Respiratory Health Of Roadside Vendors OFORI, JACOB The business of roadside vendors is most lucrative at the areas of heavy vehicular traffic, which expose them to toxic vehicular emissions and roadside dust. These pollutants are known to cause and/or exacerbate respiratory illness with very little or no effort going towards protecting the vendors against the air pollutants. A cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the impacts of the air pollutants on the respiratory health and perception of roadside vendors. The level of particulate matter measuring 2.5μm or less (P.M2.5), carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) were measured with a monitor equipped with sensors. A spirometer and a questionnaire were used to assess vendors’ respiratory health. Levels of Dust-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also determined with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GCMS). The 24-hour mean concentrations of PM2.5, CO and O3 were 69.21 μg/m3, 8.52 ppm and 93.95 ppb respectively. The mean concentration of PM2.5-bound PAHs ranged between 0.86 μg/kg for Anthracene to 567.68 μg/kg for Benzo[g,h,i]perylene. The concentration of PM2.5 and O3 exceeded WHO limits. The result of PAHs source identification ratios indicates that liquid fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning are the major sources of PAHs along the road. Vendors reported a high (82%) prevalence of respiratory symptoms. There was a significant difference between the pre-shift and postshift spirometry for vendors compared to controls. Vendors are exposed to higher levels of air pollutants at the roadside explaining the high prevalence (82%) of respiratory symptoms. xiv,141p:, ill.

2023-02-01T00:00:00Z OBIRI, SAMUEL http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/11750 2025-01-29T13:01:47Z 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z

Formulation Of Titanium Dioxide Climate Smart – Portland Cement From Selected Kaolin Deposits In The Central Region, Ghana OBIRI, SAMUEL Ordinarily Portland cement and other cementitious materials have played key roles in the construction industry over the years. However, in recent times, exposure of civil structures to toxic contaminants such as NOx, SOx, among others have resulted in sulphate attack which affect their structural integrity. Hence the main thrust for this thesis is as follows: (1) to determine chemical composition of major oxides such as TiO2 concentration in the study area's kaolin samples; (2) to extract the TiO2 content and used in formulating TiO2- ordinary Portland cement; and (5) make policy recommendation to relevant stakeholders in the building and construction industries on the use of climate-smart Portland cement. Selective flocculation technique was used to extract TiO2 and Fe2O3 from the kaolin samples. Results from the determination of compressive and flexural strength are tested according to EN 197-1:2005 standards, water of absorption in line with ASTM C1403-15 standards, workability or flow of the mortar according to ASTM C109 standards, and lastly sulphate attack was carried out in line with ASTM C1012 guidelines. The compressive and flexural strength increased considerably when 5% TiO2 was added to the Portland cement than the control. This means local cement manufacturing companies can extract TiO2 from kaolin and incorporate it into the formulation of their Portland cement to improve its ability to withstand the changing harsh climate. xv,202p:, ill.

2022-12-01T00:00:00Z Eshun, Albert http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/11687 2025-01-28T10:22:18Z 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z

Spatial And Temporal Assessment Of Organic Micropollutants In The Pra River Basin Eshun, Albert The extensive occurrence and potential harmful impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have garnered considerable attention. The presence of these organic micropollutants pose threat to river bodies and their sustainability. This study aims to determine the levels and distribution of PFAS and PCBs, in the Pra River basin. A total of 20 sampling points were selected to collect water and sediment samples, covering both upstream and downstream locations along the river. Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) was employed for pre-concentration and pre-cleaning of samples prior to analysis. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were employed to analyze water and sediment samples for targeted PFAS and PCBs. The results revealed extensive presence of PFAS and PCBs in the Pra River basin. Multiple PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS) were detected at varying levels across all the sampling points with a range between 14.5-112.4 ng/L for water samples and 55.9-186.5 ng/g for sediments. Similarly, total PCB level ranged between 0.53 and 5.87 ng/L for water samples and 2.60-139.79 ng/g for the sediment samples. PCBs 138, 149, and 153, were identified as most dominant in the river basin. The human health risks associated with exposure to PFAS and PCBs through surface water and sediment were negligible. Decomposition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by water radiolysis led to defluorination efficiency of 98% with solvated electrons and carbon dioxide radical anions being primary reactive species. These findings indicate that the Pra River basin is contaminated with PFAS and PCBs. xxviii, 289p; , ill.

2023-09-01T00:00:00Z