Effects of Quarry Activities on some Selected Communities in the Lower Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region of Ghana

Vincent Kodzo Nartey, Joseph Nii Nanor, Raphael Kweku Klake

Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
Environmental Science Programme, Faculty of Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

DOI: 10.4236/acs.2012.23032                

Abstract

Extraction of Limestone is an economically important and widespread activity in Ghana and has existed since historical times. However, in spite of its remarkable contribution towards economic development, some adverse impacts have been noticed, especially where extraction is carried out without proper planning and use of modern technology and scientific methods. We have carried out an assessment on the environmental effects of limestone quarrying on some communities in the Lower Manya Krobo District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Dust emission is one of the major effects of the practice of limestone extraction and as such, dust (PM¹⁰) sampling was conducted at the affected communities. Mean dry season results recorded in these communities stand at 125.0 μg/m³ or Bueryonye, 116.0 μg/m³ at Odugblase and 109.3 μg/m³ at Klo-Begoro. Oterkpolu community which served as the control recorded an average of 50.5 μg/m³. Average rainy season values recorded for the communities were 83.3 μg/m³ for Bueryonye, 113.1 μg/m³ at Odugblase and 74.4 μg/m³ at Klo-Begoro. The control community, Oterkpolu, had 43.3 μg/m³. These values are above the EPA, Ghana daily guideline level of 70 μg/m3 over a time-weighted average per 24 hours. Questionnaires administration and health records obtained from the health facilities in the communities revealed notable deteriorations in the health of the people as a result of the quarrying activities in the area. Notable among these is the prevalence of malaria though not related to dust emissions, it results from mosquitoes breeding in the stagnant pools of water found in pits created as a result of the mining activity. Other common health cases recorded were acute respiratory tract infection, ear and eye infections, cough and pneumonia.

Keywords

Quarries; Air Pollution; Dust; PM10; Dust Related Diseases; Water Related Diseases

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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