http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/964 2026-03-12T05:47:46Z 2026-03-12T05:47:46Z Ameyaw, Yaw http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/10888 2024-07-11T17:16:36Z 2005-03-01T00:00:00Z

Taxonomic Studies of Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta (LINDL.) SCHTR., an Antimalarial Plant Species Used in Ghana Ameyaw, Yaw A survey research was conducted on Cryplolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schtr., an antimalarial plant species harvested from three sampling sites, namely, Pepease, Mamfe and Abonse all in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The research was to determine intraspecific variation within the species, using a secondary chemical constituent, that is, the total alkaloid content, morphological and anatomical characters, as well as some edaphic factors. The study also, investigated the seasonal variations in the levels of the total alkaloid content, soil nutrients and the micro- and macro-elements in the soils obtained from the sampling sites. The soil samples were analysed for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Sb, Th. U. V and Zn using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (lNAA) coupled with conventional counting system. Comparative studies were also performed using the total alkaloid content. anatomical characters, morphological characters, topsoil characteristics as Nell as soil and toxic/trace elements to assess the degree of relationship or resemblance within the stated variables. Statistically, a series of linear models (SPSS 10.0. Minitab 13 .32 and MStats for WINDOWS, Version 6.1) was fitted to the dataset to determine whether variations do exist. Results showed that: a) Topsoil characteristics including soil pH were significantly different in the locations. b) The enrichment index values computed for the soils indicate that the soils were not enriched with toxic elements with the enrichment index values decreasing in the order of Pepease > Abonse > Mamfe. c). Phytochemical screening of the plant confirmed the presence of alkaloids in the root, stem and leaf. d) Soi l pH, soil nutrients, enrichment index -of the soils and environmental factors really influenced the levels of alkaloid contents in the organs of the plant species. e) The alkaloid contents of the plant organs were significantly different from one another. I) The total alkaloid content of the leaf was higher than that of the root and stem, and there were seasonal variations of the total alkaloid content in all the three locations; g) Morphological characters were more variable than histological characters and the total alkaloid content. h) Two phenetic groupings were identified based on the morphological characters, histological characters and the total alkaloid content. Within the locations, the total alkaloid content obtained from Abonse showed a closer association or resemblance to that of Pepease in terms of the root and stem organs. The resemblance of the locations vvas much protound between Pepease and Abonse at a rescaled distance of about 2, Mamfe showed a loose association at even a rescaled distance of20. An exceptional case was encountered of the leaf total alkaloid content where the degree of association or resemblance was much stronger between Pepease and Mamfe with Abonse loosely associated at a rescaled of 20. ii, ill: 234

2005-03-01T00:00:00Z Abraham, Janice Dwomoh http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8604 2023-07-10T11:17:16Z 2018-11-01T00:00:00Z

Nutritional Quality of Crops and Surface Water Quality of Selected Communities in Ghana Abraham, Janice Dwomoh Like any other country, Ghana is working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, part of which is targeted at ending hunger and ensuring clean water by 2030. In line with these, this study investigated what people eat at the household level, assessed the micronutrient concentrations in three varieties of maize, four varieties of plantain, two varieties of cassava and some fruits and vegetables eaten by Ghanaians. The study also investigated the relationship between micronutrient concentration in the soil and the crop. Additionally, the micronutrient content in some surface water bodies and the microbial loads in those water bodies were assessed. A household survey covering 3521 households was conducted in all ten regions of Ghana. Laboratory analyses were conducted to identify the micronutrient concentrations in the food crops and water from different water bodies. Moreover, the microbial loads of the different water bodies were analysed. Findings from this study showed that respondents eat vegetables, fruits, animal products and maize on daily bases, and cassava and plantain on weekly bases. xvii, 161p:, ill

2018-11-01T00:00:00Z Ghartey-Tagoe, Felicity http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8483 2022-08-17T09:59:04Z 2018-07-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of Anthropogenic Stressors on Vegetation, Soi and Water QualityiIn the Upland Evergreen Tropical Forest of Atewa, Ghana Ghartey-Tagoe, Felicity Although tropical rain forests are rich in biodiversity and play major roles in vegetation, soil and water quality and socio-economic needs, people have imposed stress on them. The study examined vegetation, soil and water characteristics linked to anthropogenic activities— logging, mining and farming in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Ghana. The study sites were categorized into highly stressed vegetation (HSV), moderately stressed vegetation (MSV) and non-stressed vegetation (NSV). Attributes of plant species composition and structure were determined using 50 m x 50 m plots. Tree biomass and carbon stock were determined from allometric equations using tree diameter measurements. Plant diversity was estimated using Shannon Wiener and Simpson diversity indice. The intensity of anthropogenic influence between 1986 and 2016 was analysed using Normalized Differential Vegetation Index techniques. Soil organic carbon was determined using Walkley-Black method. River Birim was sampled and tested for physical, chemical and biological characteristics, as well as heavy metals. The total mean woody plant density was similar and higher for MSV and lower in HSV. Above-ground carbon stock was not significantly different among the three stress levels but below-ground carbon stocks were significantly different at the three stress levels. The forest decreased at the rate of 2 km2 per annum between 1986 and 2016. Soil pH, bulk density, moisture, organic carbon and nutrients (NPK) differed significantly. Physicochemical properties and heavy metals of the water showed significant variation at the various stress levels. Anthropogenic stressors have negatively impacted the vegetation, soil and water quality of the ARFR, therefore, there is a need for stringent management policies to control human activities. xxi, 281p;, ill.

2018-07-01T00:00:00Z Ghartey-Tagoe, Felicity http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8470 2022-08-11T13:22:01Z 2018-07-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of Anthropogenic Stressors on Vegetation, Soil and Water Quality in the Upland Evergreen Tropical Forest of Atewa, Ghana Ghartey-Tagoe, Felicity Although tropical rain forests are rich in biodiversity and play major roles in vegetation, soil and water quality and socio-economic needs, people have imposed stress on them. The study examined vegetation, soil and water characteristics linked to anthropogenic activities— logging, mining and farming in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) in Ghana. The study sites were categorized into highly stressed vegetation (HSV), moderately stressed vegetation (MSV) and non-stressed vegetation (NSV). Attributes of plant species composition and structure were determined using 50 m x 50 m plots. Tree biomass and carbon stock were determined from allometric equations using tree diameter measurements. Plant diversity was estimated using Shannon Wiener and Simpson diversity indice. The intensity of anthropogenic influence between 1986 and 2016 was analysed using Normalized Differential Vegetation Index techniques. Soil organic carbon was determined using Walkley-Black method. River Birim was sampled and tested for physical, chemical and biological characteristics, as well as heavy metals. The total mean woody plant density was similar and higher for MSV and lower in HSV. Above-ground carbon stock was not significantly different among the three stress levels but below-ground carbon stocks were significantly different at the three stress levels. The forest decreased at the rate of 2 km2 per annum between 1986 and 2016. Soil pH, bulk density, moisture, organic carbon and nutrients (NPK) differed significantly. Physicochemical properties and heavy metals of the water showed significant variation at the various stress levels. Anthropogenic stressors have negatively impacted the vegetation, soil and water quality of the ARFR, therefore, there is a need for stringent management policies to control human activities. xxi, 281p;, ill

2018-07-01T00:00:00Z