http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3284 2026-04-14T10:35:39Z 2026-04-14T10:35:39Z Duwiejuah, A. B. Yakubu, A. Abubakari, A. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4534 2025-11-26T12:13:35Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: ADSORPTION PERFORMANCE OF GROUNDNUT AND SHEANUT SHELLS BIOCHARS IN TERNARY SYSTEM OF TOXIC METALS Authors: Duwiejuah, A. B.; Yakubu, A.; Abubakari, A. Abstract: The choice of biomass is influenced by its availability, potential characteristics such as abundance of functional groups and large surface area. This study explored the removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous solution using groundnut and sheanut shells biochars. Groundnut and sheanut shells biochars pyrolysed at 350 ± 5ºC and 700 ± 5°C and used to remove lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in ternary systems. Initial toxic metal concentrations and residual concentrations after the biochars application were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The adsorption efficiency of groundnut and sheanut shells biochars pyrolysed at 350 ± 5ºC and 700 ± 5°C in the ternary system ranged from 81.28% to 100% for lead, cadmium ranged from 43.66% to 100% and mercury ranged from 96.38% to 100%. The higher removal rates of Pb, Cd and Hg by the biochars showed the pH solutions were favourable for the adsorption. Langmuir isotherm was the model that best fit the adsorption of toxic metal ions. Groundnut and sheanut shells biochars qualify as a feasible and economic option for toxic metals removal. Hence, studies should be conducted in real polluted water to ascertain the actual effectiveness of these biochar treatments.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Iddrisu, F. T. Agya, B. A. Edziyie, R. E. Campion, B. B. Akongyuure, D. N. Adjei-Boateng, D. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4516 2025-11-24T10:41:18Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF A BUDGET CAGE TECHNOLOGY ON NILE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) PRODUCTION IN THE BONTANGA, GOLINGA AND LIBGA RESERVOIRS IN NORTHERN GHANA, AFRICA Authors: Iddrisu, F. T.; Agya, B. A.; Edziyie, R. E.; Campion, B. B.; Akongyuure, D. N.; Adjei-Boateng, D. Abstract: The potential of irrigation reservoirs in northern Ghana to support Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production in 1 m3 budget cages was assessed over six-months in three reservoirs (Bontanga, Golinga and Libga). Fingerlings with a mean weight of 17.0 ± 5.0 g were randomly stocked at 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 fish per cage in duplicate and fed with a commercial tilapia feed (Raanan, 30% protein level) at 3 to 5% body weight. The results indicated that the lower densities (50 and 100 fish m-3) had a higher specific growth rate (SGR) compared to higher densities (150-250 fish m-3). The gross yield (7.5–23.1 kg cage-1) differed with increasing density on all reservoirs. Consumers in the Tamale Metropolis preferred small sized tilapias (5-6 fish kg-1) and were willing to pay US$ 1.40-2.34 kg-1 of fish, while restaurants preferred 2-3 fish kg-1 and were willing to pay US$ 3.27- 3.51 kg-1. The 200 fish m-3 stocking density was the most profitable and is recommended for cage culture on reservoirs in northern Ghana.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Karikari, A. B. Saba, C.K.S. Yamik, D.Y. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4325 2025-02-03T11:18:46Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: NORTHERN GHANA REPORTED CASES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS AND THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF UROPATHOGENS FROM HOSPITALS IN NORTHERN GHANA. Authors: Karikari, A. B.; Saba, C.K.S.; Yamik, D.Y. Abstract: ABSTRACT: As global studies report varying trends in antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens, it is necessary to have current and constant information on the prevalence of urinary tract infections, the causative pathogens, and their susceptibility profiles, for effective management in specific geographical settings. This prospective cross-sectional study focused on the prevalence of urinary tract infections, etiological agents, and their antibiogram in a secondary and tertiary care hospital in Northern Ghana. Urine samples collected from 219 patients of all age groups were cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar. Pathogens were identified following standard microbiological methods, and their susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Approximately 34% of the patients had significant bacteria, but the prevalence was slightly higher (P=.763) in the Tertiary care hospital (37.3%) than in the Secondary hospital (30.3%). Patients who were 60 years and above (27.0%) were commonly found with UTIs followed by the year group 20 to 29 years (20.3%). Although all the diagnoses had a positive relationship with urinary tract infection except Pyelonephritis, none of the underlying conditions was a significant (P > .05) predictor of urinary tract infection, with the odds ratio indicating that patients with hyperparathyroidism and dysuria had 2.606 times more likely increased risk or predictor of urinary tract infection. Ten different pathogens were identified, but Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were frequently encountered. Gram-negative isolates generally showed more resistance. High resistance against ampicillin (100%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (88.5%), chloramphenicol (84.6%), augmentin (69.2%), ceftriaxone (69.2%), and ciprofloxacin (61.5%) were recorded. Amikacin was relatively effective against isolated pathogens. The high records of resistance among uropathogens and the occurrence of multidrug resistance (92%) reiterate the urgent call for rigorous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among infectious pathogens in Ghana.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Douti, N. B. Amuah, E. E. Y. Abanyie, S. K. Amanin-Ennin, P. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/4321 2025-02-03T10:28:35Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: IRRIGATION WATER QUALITY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF VEGETABLES PRODUCED FROM MARKET GARDENING: A CASE OF THE VEA IRRIGATION DAM, U.E.R., GHANA Authors: Douti, N. B.; Amuah, E. E. Y.; Abanyie, S. K.; Amanin-Ennin, P. Abstract: The rationale for this study was to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of the Vea irrigation water and resultant effects on the quality of fresh vegetables produced in the area and associated implications for consumers’ health. A total of 45 water samples were collected from the reservoir and canals. Also, 16 vegetable samples comprising four samples each of tomatoes, carrots, spring onions, and cabbages were collected from four farms with installed irrigation systems fed by the Vea Dam. The irrigation water samples were analyzed for total coliform (TC) and fecal coliform (FC), Escherichia coli, pH, and turbidity, while the samples of vegetables were analyzed for TC and FC, and E. coli. The results showed that except for pH, the bacterial loads and turbidity of the sampled vegetables and irrigation water were above the standards of the WHO and the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Food. Comparatively, the samples of cabbage recorded the highest levels of microbial contamination. The study suggests that the water should be treated before being used for irrigation; consumers should ensure that vegetables are properly washed and cooked/treated before consumption; and periodic monitoring and assessment should be done to ensure that the adverse effects of these activities are forestalled.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z