Trace-elements Exposure Levels in Artisanal 'Galamsey' Mines in Wassa-West District, Ghana

摘要

In order to assess trace-elements exposure levels in artisanal mines within the Wassa-West District of Ghana, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) method was used to analyse fingernails of some miners. Mean concentrations were recorded for four trace-elements, namely mercury (Hg): 8.14 μg/g, gold (Au): 1.09 μg/g, Arsenic (As): 5.53 μg/g and antimony (Sb): 0.60 μg/g. These concentration levels and their health implications for the miners, as well as the environment impact of artisanal mining activities and some remedial mitigation actions were analysed.