Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45718
B. Ahiabor, M. Fosu, I. Tibo, I. Sumaila
An on-station trial was conducted in the experimental field of Savanna Agricultural Research Institute at Nyankpala in the Northern Region of Ghana to assess the nitrogen fixation, native arbuscular mycorrhizal formation and biomass production potentials of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), devil-bean (Crotalaria retusa), Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (black and white types) and Canavalia ensiformis with maize (Dorke SR) as the reference crop using the total nitrogen difference (TND) method. Plants were fertilized with 40 kg P/ha and 30 kg K/ha at 2 weeks after planting and grown for 55 days after which they were harvested. The harvested biomass (separated into roots, stems and leaves) of each crop was oven-dried at 70 oC for 48 h to a constant weight. Cowpea and devil-bean produced approximately 5 and 6 t/ha biomass whereas Mucuna and Canavalia yielded about 2 t/ha biomass each. Although cowpea had the least number of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal (AMF) spores in its rhizosphere, its roots were the most heavily colonized (34%) and M. pruriens recording below 5% colonization. Apart from C. ensiformis, the test legumes derived over 50% of their total accumulated N from the atmosphere with cowpea being the most efficient (90% Ndfa). Both N and P accumulations were significantly higher in cowpea than the other legumes due to increased N concentration and dry matter accumulation, respectively. In all the legumes, there was a direct positive correlation between the extent of mycorrhiza formation, biological N fixation and total N uptake. It could, therefore, be concluded that the extensive mycorrhiza formation in cowpea and its high N2-fixing potential resulted in a high shoot N and P uptake leading to a comparatively better growth enhancement. Cowpea could, therefore, be the grain legume for consideration in the selection of a suitable legume pre-crop to cereals for the amelioration of the low fertility of the degraded soils of the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana, and also as a source of food to fill the hunger gap that precedes the growing season in the Northern Region of Ghana.
在加纳北部地区Nyankpala热带草原农业研究所的试验田，采用全氮差(TND)法，以玉米(Dorke SR)为对照作物，对豇豆(Vigna unguiculata)、魔豆(Crotalaria retusa)、Mucuna pruriens var. utilis(黑色和白色)和Canavalia ensiformis的固氮、原生丛菌根形成和生物量生产潜力进行了评估。植株在播种后2周施肥40 kg P/ha和30 kg K/ha，生长55 d后收获。将收获的生物量(分成根、茎和叶)在70℃下烘干48小时至定重。豇豆和魔豆的生物量约为5吨/公顷和6吨/公顷，而粘豆和Canavalia的生物量约为2吨/公顷。豇豆的根际真菌(AMF)孢子数最少，但其根的定植量最多(34%)，pruriens的定植量低于5%。除C. ensiformis外，试验豆类从大气中获得总积累氮的50%以上，豇豆效率最高(90% Ndfa)。由于氮浓度和干物质积累的增加，豇豆的氮和磷积累量均显著高于其他豆科植物。在所有豆科植物中，菌根形成程度、生物固氮量和总氮吸收量之间存在正相关关系。因此，豇豆广泛的菌根形成及其高的固氮潜力导致了其对氮和磷的高吸收，从而获得了较好的生长促进作用。因此，在为改善加纳几内亚热带稀树草原退化土壤的低肥力而选择合适的豆类前作物时，豇豆可以作为考虑的谷物豆类作物，也可以作为填补加纳北部地区生长季节前的饥饿缺口的食物来源。
{"title":"Comparative Nitrogen fixation, native arbuscular mycorrhiza formation and biomass production potentials of some grain legume species grown in the iield in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana","authors":"B. Ahiabor, M. Fosu, I. Tibo, I. Sumaila","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45718","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45718","url":null,"abstract":"An on-station trial was conducted in the experimental field of Savanna Agricultural Research Institute at Nyankpala in the Northern Region of Ghana to assess the nitrogen fixation, native arbuscular mycorrhizal formation and biomass production potentials of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), devil-bean (Crotalaria retusa), Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (black and white types) and Canavalia ensiformis with maize (Dorke SR) as the reference crop using the total nitrogen difference (TND) method. Plants were fertilized with 40 kg P/ha and 30 kg K/ha at 2 weeks after planting and grown for 55 days after which they were harvested. The harvested biomass (separated into roots, stems and leaves) of each crop was oven-dried at 70 oC for 48 h to a constant weight. Cowpea and devil-bean produced approximately 5 and 6 t/ha biomass whereas Mucuna and Canavalia yielded about 2 t/ha biomass each. Although cowpea had the least number of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungal (AMF) spores in its rhizosphere, its roots were the most heavily colonized (34%) and M. pruriens recording below 5% colonization. Apart from C. ensiformis, the test legumes derived over 50% of their total accumulated N from the atmosphere with cowpea being the most efficient (90% Ndfa). Both N and P accumulations were significantly higher in cowpea than the other legumes due to increased N concentration and dry matter accumulation, respectively. In all the legumes, there was a direct positive correlation between the extent of mycorrhiza formation, biological N fixation and total N uptake. It could, therefore, be concluded that the extensive mycorrhiza formation in cowpea and its high N2-fixing potential resulted in a high shoot N and P uptake leading to a comparatively better growth enhancement. Cowpea could, therefore, be the grain legume for consideration in the selection of a suitable legume pre-crop to cereals for the amelioration of the low fertility of the degraded soils of the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana, and also as a source of food to fill the hunger gap that precedes the growing season in the Northern Region of Ghana.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"11 1","pages":"89-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45718","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45757
T. Quarcoopome, F. Amevenku, O. Ansa-Asare
The fisheries and limnology of Bontanga and Libga reservoirs in northern Ghana were studied with the objective of generating information to support the development, management and sustainable use of their fisheries to enhance the socio-economic status of riparian communities. Using gill nets of various mesh sizes, fishes were sampled monthly and individually identified, weighed and measured for standard and total lengths. Water samples were taken monthly and analysed for physico-chemical parameters. In the Bontanga Reservoir, 21 species belonging to 18 genera and 10 families were encountered. Four families, namely Clariidae, Cichlidae, Cyprinidae and Clarotidae constituted almost 83% of the fishery while Clarias anguillaris, Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Barbus macrops and Sarotherodon galileus were the major species. In the Libga Reservoir, 36 species, representing 27 genera and 15 families, were obtained. Two families, namely Mochokidae and Centropomidae constituted almost 67% of the fishery resources while Synodontis gambiensis and the Nile perch, Lates niloticus, were the dominant species. The fish diversity of the Bontanga Reservoir was lower than that of the Libga reservoir. Carnivorous fishes were dominant in Bontanga Reservoir while fishes of forage feeding habits were the major feeding group in Libga Reservoir. The forage-carnivore ratios of 1.60 and 2.12 for Bontanga and Libga reservoirs, respectively, suggest a suitable ecological balance between carnivorous fishes and their prey populations. The estimated potential fish yield per year for the Bontanga Reservoir (67 tons) was higher than that of the Libga Reservoir (4.7 tons) mainly due to its larger size although the productivity per hectare for Libga Reservoir was slightly higher. Both reservoirs were well oxygenated all year-round with relatively high oxygen demanding substances and slightly acidic from June to October. The Bontanga Reservoir was characterized by a strikingly high ionic content. The nutrient level and the mean productivity of the Bontanga Reservoir were slightly lower than those of the Libga Reservoir.
{"title":"Fisheries and limnology of two reservoirs in Northern Ghana","authors":"T. Quarcoopome, F. Amevenku, O. Ansa-Asare","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45757","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45757","url":null,"abstract":"The fisheries and limnology of Bontanga and Libga reservoirs in northern Ghana were studied with the objective of generating information to support the development, management and sustainable use of their fisheries to enhance the socio-economic status of riparian communities. Using gill nets of various mesh sizes, fishes were sampled monthly and individually identified, weighed and measured for standard and total lengths. Water samples were taken monthly and analysed for physico-chemical parameters. In the Bontanga Reservoir, 21 species belonging to 18 genera and 10 families were encountered. Four families, namely Clariidae, Cichlidae, Cyprinidae and Clarotidae constituted almost 83% of the fishery while Clarias anguillaris, Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Barbus macrops and Sarotherodon galileus were the major species. In the Libga Reservoir, 36 species, representing 27 genera and 15 families, were obtained. Two families, namely Mochokidae and Centropomidae constituted almost 67% of the fishery resources while Synodontis gambiensis and the Nile perch, Lates niloticus, were the dominant species. The fish diversity of the Bontanga Reservoir was lower than that of the Libga reservoir. Carnivorous fishes were dominant in Bontanga Reservoir while fishes of forage feeding habits were the major feeding group in Libga Reservoir. The forage-carnivore ratios of 1.60 and 2.12 for Bontanga and Libga reservoirs, respectively, suggest a suitable ecological balance between carnivorous fishes and their prey populations. The estimated potential fish yield per year for the Bontanga Reservoir (67 tons) was higher than that of the Libga Reservoir (4.7 tons) mainly due to its larger size although the productivity per hectare for Libga Reservoir was slightly higher. Both reservoirs were well oxygenated all year-round with relatively high oxygen demanding substances and slightly acidic from June to October. The Bontanga Reservoir was characterized by a strikingly high ionic content. The nutrient level and the mean productivity of the Bontanga Reservoir were slightly lower than those of the Libga Reservoir.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"12 1","pages":"61-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45757","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45723
T. Awadzi, H. Breuning‐madsen
Between 2000–2005, a monitoring system for the collection of harmattan dust over Ghana was established. Three methods were used to sample the harmattan dust: i) bowls with water, ii) plastic mats and iii) plates made of plywood. This paper describes the establishment of the monitoring system, and the regional distribution of harmattan dust trapped in various agro-ecological zones by the bowls with water and the mats. The bowl values represent the total amount of dust falling over a unit area, and the mat values represents the amount of dust retained by vegetation. The amount of harmattan dust captured is largest in the north where the mats retained about 20 g/cm3 compared to 5 g/cm3 in the south. The amount of dust retained differs significantly from year to year, and the particle-size of the dust becomes finer towards the south and with an increasing amount of organic matter. In the north, the median diameter was slightly above 15 mm and the organic carbon content was about 5% while in the south the median diameter was slightly above 5 mm and the organic carbon content was between 10 and 15%.
{"title":"Harmattan dust deposited in Ghana within 2000-2005","authors":"T. Awadzi, H. Breuning‐madsen","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45723","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45723","url":null,"abstract":"Between 2000–2005, a monitoring system for the collection of harmattan dust over Ghana was established. Three methods were used to sample the harmattan dust: i) bowls with water, ii) plastic mats and iii) plates made of plywood. This paper describes the establishment of the monitoring system, and the regional distribution of harmattan dust trapped in various agro-ecological zones by the bowls with water and the mats. The bowl values represent the total amount of dust falling over a unit area, and the mat values represents the amount of dust retained by vegetation. The amount of harmattan dust captured is largest in the north where the mats retained about 20 g/cm3 compared to 5 g/cm3 in the south. The amount of dust retained differs significantly from year to year, and the particle-size of the dust becomes finer towards the south and with an increasing amount of organic matter. In the north, the median diameter was slightly above 15 mm and the organic carbon content was about 5% while in the south the median diameter was slightly above 5 mm and the organic carbon content was between 10 and 15%.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"11 1","pages":"173-188"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45723","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45777
OA Achonduh, W. Gbewonyo, Daniel A. Boakye, MD Wilson
Resistance in malaria vectors is likely to be caused by the massive use of insecticides in agriculture. Anopheles gambiae s.l. collected from breeding grounds in two cabbage growing areas within Accra were assessed for levels of resistance to 0.75% permethrin, 0.05% deltamethrin, 5% malathion and 4% DDT using standard WHO susceptibility test kits. Pyrethroid and organophosphate residue levels in soil and run-off water from these cabbage farms were determined and possible association between resistance and residue levels were established. Compared to the susceptible ‘Kisumu’ strain, both Korle-Bu and Airport populations were highly resistant to DDT and gave resistance levels which were over nine-fold for permethrin and over 2.5-fold for deltamethrin. Both wild and susceptible populations showed full susceptibility to malathion. The S and M forms of A. gambiae s.s. were found to occur in sympatry in the two study sites with a higher frequency of S form in the Airport area. Toxicity testing of extracts of soil and run-off water from these cabbage farms, using brine shrimp lethality tests, showed high level of toxicity, indicative of the presence of residues of insecticides. Differential fractionation of these extracts using solid phase extractor (SPE) suggests that the bulk of residues in these extracts may be pyrethroids and organophosphates. No correlation was observed between either residue levels or residual bioactivity in soil and run-off water, and resistance levels in A. gambiae s.l. populations, collected from breeding grounds within the farms under investigation. It is proposed that resistance in A. gambiae larvae in these breeding sites contaminated with agricultural insecticides may have occurred over time due to continuous exposure to sub-lethal doses.
{"title":"Susceptibility status of Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) from cabbage growing areas associated with pyrethroid and organophosphate use in Accra, Ghana","authors":"OA Achonduh, W. Gbewonyo, Daniel A. Boakye, MD Wilson","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45777","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45777","url":null,"abstract":"Resistance in malaria vectors is likely to be caused by the massive use of insecticides in agriculture. Anopheles gambiae s.l. collected from breeding grounds in two cabbage growing areas within Accra were assessed for levels of resistance to 0.75% permethrin, 0.05% deltamethrin, 5% malathion and 4% DDT using standard WHO susceptibility test kits. Pyrethroid and organophosphate residue levels in soil and run-off water from these cabbage farms were determined and possible association between resistance and residue levels were established. Compared to the susceptible ‘Kisumu’ strain, both Korle-Bu and Airport populations were highly resistant to DDT and gave resistance levels which were over nine-fold for permethrin and over 2.5-fold for deltamethrin. Both wild and susceptible populations showed full susceptibility to malathion. The S and M forms of A. gambiae s.s. were found to occur in sympatry in the two study sites with a higher frequency of S form in the Airport area. Toxicity testing of extracts of soil and run-off water from these cabbage farms, using brine shrimp lethality tests, showed high level of toxicity, indicative of the presence of residues of insecticides. Differential fractionation of these extracts using solid phase extractor (SPE) suggests that the bulk of residues in these extracts may be pyrethroids and organophosphates. No correlation was observed between either residue levels or residual bioactivity in soil and run-off water, and resistance levels in A. gambiae s.l. populations, collected from breeding grounds within the farms under investigation. It is proposed that resistance in A. gambiae larvae in these breeding sites contaminated with agricultural insecticides may have occurred over time due to continuous exposure to sub-lethal doses.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"12 1","pages":"151-161"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45777","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45717
A. Afrifa, K. Ofori-Frimpong, M. Abekoe
Studies on boron levels in soils cropped to coffee were carried out in Ghana due to widespread reports on boron deficiency in soils of some coffee producing countries. Leaves and soils were sampled from Cocobod coffee plantations at Bogoso, Suhuma, Manso-Mim, Bunso and Bepong, which represent the main coffee growing areas in the Western, Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana. Also determined were percent OC and Ca, pH, texture and statistical relationships established for both leaf and soil boron contents and the soil properties. The results showed that available B in the 0-30 cm depth ranged from 0.77 to 1.54 mg B kg-1 soil. Surface soil pH values ranged from 5.4 to 6.8 and the subsurface soil from 5.1 to 6.7. Leaf B was between 28.7 and 42.5 mg B kg-1. The leaf Ca/B ratio used as index of B deficiency was between 331.4 and 398.8; values high enough to suggest that boron was low compared to Ca concentrations in the leaves, a condition which implies that available B in the soils was below the levels required to support coffee plants. All locations of sampling indicated that there was positive correlation between percent OC, calcium and available B in the surface soils. Similarly, the relationship between percent clay, calcium and available B in the subsurface soils was positively correlated. Soil available B at 0–30 cm depth was highly influenced by percent OC and pH. Coffee leaf B content and soil pH was negatively correlated at pH above 5.8, but was positive when the pH was below 5.8. Boron levels in the coffee leaves were within the critical range of 2–40 mg B kg-1 although soil available B appeared low.
{"title":"Boron levels in soils cropped to coffee and their relationships to some soil properties in Ghana","authors":"A. Afrifa, K. Ofori-Frimpong, M. Abekoe","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45717","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45717","url":null,"abstract":"Studies on boron levels in soils cropped to coffee were carried out in Ghana due to widespread reports on boron deficiency in soils of some coffee producing countries. Leaves and soils were sampled from Cocobod coffee plantations at Bogoso, Suhuma, Manso-Mim, Bunso and Bepong, which represent the main coffee growing areas in the Western, Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana. Also determined were percent OC and Ca, pH, texture and statistical relationships established for both leaf and soil boron contents and the soil properties. The results showed that available B in the 0-30 cm depth ranged from 0.77 to 1.54 mg B kg-1 soil. Surface soil pH values ranged from 5.4 to 6.8 and the subsurface soil from 5.1 to 6.7. Leaf B was between 28.7 and 42.5 mg B kg-1. The leaf Ca/B ratio used as index of B deficiency was between 331.4 and 398.8; values high enough to suggest that boron was low compared to Ca concentrations in the leaves, a condition which implies that available B in the soils was below the levels required to support coffee plants. All locations of sampling indicated that there was positive correlation between percent OC, calcium and available B in the surface soils. Similarly, the relationship between percent clay, calcium and available B in the subsurface soils was positively correlated. Soil available B at 0–30 cm depth was highly influenced by percent OC and pH. Coffee leaf B content and soil pH was negatively correlated at pH above 5.8, but was positive when the pH was below 5.8. Boron levels in the coffee leaves were within the critical range of 2–40 mg B kg-1 although soil available B appeared low.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"11 1","pages":"189-196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45717","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45721
I. Asante, H. Adu-Dapaah, A. Acheampong
Some mineral elements in the seeds of the cowpea were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The cowpea cultivars were made up of improved varieties (Soronko, Gbeho, Ayiyi, Asontem, Asontem1, Bengpla, Asetenapa and Adom), farmers’ accessions (87/7, 87/1, 87/27, 87/147, 87/34, 87/49, 87/83, 87/157, 87/149, 87/30, 87/153, 96/046, 87/137, 96/129, BTB 96/091, OAA 96/30, BTB 96/054), and experimental materials (IT870-677-2, Caroni, Kaase Market, 1977 and 1239). A total of 14 elements (Al, Ca, Mg, V, Mn, Br, Cl, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Ta, Si and In) were detected in the seeds of the 30 cowpea cultivars. Five of the elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca and Cl) identified are classified as major elements in the human body, while four (Mn, Zn, V, Si, Cu and I) are trace elements. The major elements K, Na, Ca, Mg and Cl were detected in high concentration in cultivars 96/129, 87/137, Ayiyi, 87/34 and 87/49, respectively. The trace elements Mn, Zn, V, Si, Cu and Al were detected in high concentration in cultivars 87/34, 87/27, 87/34, Bengpla, 87/34 and 87/34, respectively. From the results the following accessions could be selected and incorporated into a cowpea mineral nutritional improvement programme: 96/129, 87/137, Ayiyi, 87/34, 87/49 and 87/27. The presence of the five major elements and the trace elements indicates that cowpea has a rich source of mineral elements and, therefore, can be used to improve the diet of both humans and livestock.
{"title":"Determination of some mineral components of wowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) Using instrumental neutron activation analysis.","authors":"I. Asante, H. Adu-Dapaah, A. Acheampong","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45721","url":null,"abstract":"Some mineral elements in the seeds of the cowpea were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The cowpea cultivars were made up of improved varieties (Soronko, Gbeho, Ayiyi, Asontem, Asontem1, Bengpla, Asetenapa and Adom), farmers’ accessions (87/7, 87/1, 87/27, 87/147, 87/34, 87/49, 87/83, 87/157, 87/149, 87/30, 87/153, 96/046, 87/137, 96/129, BTB 96/091, OAA 96/30, BTB 96/054), and experimental materials (IT870-677-2, Caroni, Kaase Market, 1977 and 1239). A total of 14 elements (Al, Ca, Mg, V, Mn, Br, Cl, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Ta, Si and In) were detected in the seeds of the 30 cowpea cultivars. Five of the elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca and Cl) identified are classified as major elements in the human body, while four (Mn, Zn, V, Si, Cu and I) are trace elements. The major elements K, Na, Ca, Mg and Cl were detected in high concentration in cultivars 96/129, 87/137, Ayiyi, 87/34 and 87/49, respectively. The trace elements Mn, Zn, V, Si, Cu and Al were detected in high concentration in cultivars 87/34, 87/27, 87/34, Bengpla, 87/34 and 87/34, respectively. From the results the following accessions could be selected and incorporated into a cowpea mineral nutritional improvement programme: 96/129, 87/137, Ayiyi, 87/34, 87/49 and 87/27. The presence of the five major elements and the trace elements indicates that cowpea has a rich source of mineral elements and, therefore, can be used to improve the diet of both humans and livestock.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"11 1","pages":"165-171"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45721","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45761
O. Ansa-Asare, E. Mensah, M. Entsua-Mensah, C. Biney
The nutrient and trophic status were used to assess the impact of human activities on lagoon by determining the trophic status of the lagoons and then using nutrient parameters and transparency in a form of model to predict the trophic status index (TSI) of the lagoon waters. The trophic index of Benya, Nakwa, Amisa and Nyanya ranges between 35.0– 39.0 and falls within Carlson’s TSI range scale of 30–40, which implies that their waters are oligotrophic. The Oyibi lagoon is mildly eutrophic (Carlson’s TSI scale of 56) in the riverine portion. However, at the seaward end it has TSI of 42, which is moderately clear. Similarly, Muni lagoon is moderately clear with TSI range of 35.8–43.1. The Sakumo II lagoon is hypereutrophic at the riverine end (Carlson’s TSI of 87.8). The seaward end is oligotrophic. The high phosphorus (231.9 kg/day) and nitrogen (927.9 kg/day) recorded at Nyanya lagoon are as a result of domestic activities mainly from the wastes generated from humans at the lagoon and its surroundings. The use of nutrients and transparency, in predicting the trophic status of lagoons and coastal waters is a new and emerging scientific way of looking at lagoon trophic status. The nutrient inputs into lagoons, as well as transparency, are direct impacts of human activities. The model has proved to be useful in explaining the impact of human activities on the trophic status of lagoons in Ghana. The model was assessed by predicting the observed versus predicted, and this showed a performance index (R2) of 95.1%. This shows that the model is able to use various nutrient and transparency values to predict the trophic status of lagoons. The model is able to predict lower or oligotrophic TSI values better than higher or hypereutrophic values. The model has then been used successfully to predict various TSI values from the lagoons.
{"title":"Impact of Human Activities on Nutrient and Trophic Status of some Selected Lagoons in Ghana","authors":"O. Ansa-Asare, E. Mensah, M. Entsua-Mensah, C. Biney","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45761","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45761","url":null,"abstract":"The nutrient and trophic status were used to assess the impact of human activities on lagoon by determining the trophic status of the lagoons and then using nutrient parameters and transparency in a form of model to predict the trophic status index (TSI) of the lagoon waters. The trophic index of Benya, Nakwa, Amisa and Nyanya ranges between 35.0– 39.0 and falls within Carlson’s TSI range scale of 30–40, which implies that their waters are oligotrophic. The Oyibi lagoon is mildly eutrophic (Carlson’s TSI scale of 56) in the riverine portion. However, at the seaward end it has TSI of 42, which is moderately clear. Similarly, Muni lagoon is moderately clear with TSI range of 35.8–43.1. The Sakumo II lagoon is hypereutrophic at the riverine end (Carlson’s TSI of 87.8). The seaward end is oligotrophic. The high phosphorus (231.9 kg/day) and nitrogen (927.9 kg/day) recorded at Nyanya lagoon are as a result of domestic activities mainly from the wastes generated from humans at the lagoon and its surroundings. The use of nutrients and transparency, in predicting the trophic status of lagoons and coastal waters is a new and emerging scientific way of looking at lagoon trophic status. The nutrient inputs into lagoons, as well as transparency, are direct impacts of human activities. The model has proved to be useful in explaining the impact of human activities on the trophic status of lagoons in Ghana. The model was assessed by predicting the observed versus predicted, and this showed a performance index (R2) of 95.1%. This shows that the model is able to use various nutrient and transparency values to predict the trophic status of lagoons. The model is able to predict lower or oligotrophic TSI values better than higher or hypereutrophic values. The model has then been used successfully to predict various TSI values from the lagoons.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"473 1","pages":"49-60"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45761","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45763
J. Baidu-Forson, R. Lewis-Lettington
Modern economic activities are heavily dependent on using diversity of biological resources. Africa has a wealth of biodiversity resources which, with the appropriate application of biotechnological tools for conservation and use, can serve as sources of wealth creation. Proper harnessing of the linkages between biotechnology and the diversity of biological resources is required to meet challenges of food security, health, poverty and wealth creation in West African countries. The paper explores some of the key applications of biotechnology for conservation of agricultural biodiversity resources, and considers the potential threat of biotechnology to diversity of genetic resources. It also explores complex issues that inform current policy debates. It concludes that Government support is required for the conservation and breeding of farmers’ varieties, or landraces by public breeding programmes, and the design of private and public mechanisms to ensure that the pursuit of biotechnology does not compromise the diversity in biological resources. It would be strategic for West African countries to establish and explore beneficial linkages between the subregional genetic resources conservation initiative and biotechnology programmes. Some pertinent questions are raised on how to best manage the strategic interplay between biotechnology and diversity in agricultural biodiversity resources. The provision of adequate information is highlighted to inform decisions and choices based on the real value and potential risks of biotechnology.
{"title":"Linking biotechnology and agricultural biodiversity resources in holistic strategy in West Africa","authors":"J. Baidu-Forson, R. Lewis-Lettington","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45763","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45763","url":null,"abstract":"Modern economic activities are heavily dependent on using diversity of biological resources. Africa has a wealth of biodiversity resources which, with the appropriate application of biotechnological tools for conservation and use, can serve as sources of wealth creation. Proper harnessing of the linkages between biotechnology and the diversity of biological resources is required to meet challenges of food security, health, poverty and wealth creation in West African countries. The paper explores some of the key applications of biotechnology for conservation of agricultural biodiversity resources, and considers the potential threat of biotechnology to diversity of genetic resources. It also explores complex issues that inform current policy debates. It concludes that Government support is required for the conservation and breeding of farmers’ varieties, or landraces by public breeding programmes, and the design of private and public mechanisms to ensure that the pursuit of biotechnology does not compromise the diversity in biological resources. It would be strategic for West African countries to establish and explore beneficial linkages between the subregional genetic resources conservation initiative and biotechnology programmes. Some pertinent questions are raised on how to best manage the strategic interplay between biotechnology and diversity in agricultural biodiversity resources. The provision of adequate information is highlighted to inform decisions and choices based on the real value and potential risks of biotechnology.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"12 1","pages":"199-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45763","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45722
Fk Attiogbe, M. Glover‐Amengor, K. Nyadziehe
The study aims at establishing an empirical correlation between biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of effluents from selected industries in the Kumasi Metropolis to facilitate speedy effluent quality assessment or optimal process control. Hourly effluent samples were collected for an 8-h period three times per week for analysis of the principal parameters BOD5 and COD, using the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Measured BOD5 and COD of the effluents were above the required discharged guideline of 50 mg/l and 250 mg/l, respectively, specified by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana. These levels of BOD5 and COD of the wastewaters could pose potential pollution to the waterbodies in which they are discharged since untreated. Results also indicate that the degree of common variation between the two variables COD and BOD5 is highly positive for the effluents from Ghana Brewery Limited (GBL), Guinness Ghana Limited GGL) and Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana (Coca-Cola), thus, the variables are correlated. However, the degree of common variation between the variables was low for the effluent from the Kumasi Abattoir. The fitted equations were GBL, y = 0.6558x – 270, r = 0.93; Coca-Cola, y = 0.3536x + 113.6, r = 0.81; GGL, y = 0.225x + 1343.7, r = 0.83; Kumasi Abattoir, y = 0.1331x + 54806, r = 0.22) with x and y representing COD and BOD5, respectively. The BOD5/COD ratio for the wastewater from the selected industries can also be approximated to the gradient of their respective fitted equations, i.e. GBL, 0.66; Coca-Cola, 0.35; GGL, 0.23. The fitted equations for GBL, Coca-Cola and GGL can be used to facilitate rapid effluent assessment or optimal process control by these industries once the chemical oxygen demand is measured.
本研究旨在建立库马西大都市选定工业废水生化需氧量(BOD5)和化学需氧量(COD)之间的经验相关性，以促进快速的废水质量评估或最佳过程控制。采用《水和废水检测标准方法》，每周收集3次，每次8小时，分析主要参数BOD5和COD。经测量的废水中BOD5和COD分别高于加纳环境保护局规定的50毫克/升和250毫克/升的排放标准。由于未经处理，这些废水的BOD5和COD水平可能对其排放的水体造成潜在污染。结果还表明，在加纳啤酒有限公司(GBL)、吉尼斯加纳有限公司(GGL)和加纳可口可乐装瓶公司(Coca-Cola)的废水中，COD和BOD5这两个变量之间的共同变异程度呈高度正相关，因此，变量之间存在相关性。然而，对于库马西屠宰场的污水，这些变量之间的共同变异程度很低。拟合方程为GBL, y = 0.6558x - 270, r = 0.93;可口可乐，y = 0.3536x + 113.6, r = 0.81;GGL, y = 0.225x + 1343.7, r = 0.83;库马西屠宰场，y = 0.1331x + 54806, r = 0.22)，其中x和y分别代表COD和BOD5。所选行业废水的BOD5/COD比值也可以近似为其各自拟合方程的梯度，即GBL = 0.66;可口可乐,0.35;GGL, 0.23。一旦测量了化学需氧量，GBL、可口可乐和GGL的拟合方程可用于促进这些工业的快速排放评估或最佳过程控制。
{"title":"Correlating biochemical and chemical oxygen demand of effluents: a case study of selected industries in Kumasi, Ghana","authors":"Fk Attiogbe, M. Glover‐Amengor, K. Nyadziehe","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45722","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45722","url":null,"abstract":"The study aims at establishing an empirical correlation between biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of effluents from selected industries in the Kumasi Metropolis to facilitate speedy effluent quality assessment or optimal process control. Hourly effluent samples were collected for an 8-h period three times per week for analysis of the principal parameters BOD5 and COD, using the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Measured BOD5 and COD of the effluents were above the required discharged guideline of 50 mg/l and 250 mg/l, respectively, specified by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana. These levels of BOD5 and COD of the wastewaters could pose potential pollution to the waterbodies in which they are discharged since untreated. Results also indicate that the degree of common variation between the two variables COD and BOD5 is highly positive for the effluents from Ghana Brewery Limited (GBL), Guinness Ghana Limited GGL) and Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana (Coca-Cola), thus, the variables are correlated. However, the degree of common variation between the variables was low for the effluent from the Kumasi Abattoir. The fitted equations were GBL, y = 0.6558x – 270, r = 0.93; Coca-Cola, y = 0.3536x + 113.6, r = 0.81; GGL, y = 0.225x + 1343.7, r = 0.83; Kumasi Abattoir, y = 0.1331x + 54806, r = 0.22) with x and y representing COD and BOD5, respectively. The BOD5/COD ratio for the wastewater from the selected industries can also be approximated to the gradient of their respective fitted equations, i.e. GBL, 0.66; Coca-Cola, 0.35; GGL, 0.23. The fitted equations for GBL, Coca-Cola and GGL can be used to facilitate rapid effluent assessment or optimal process control by these industries once the chemical oxygen demand is measured.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"11 1","pages":"155-164"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V11I1.45722","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-09-07DOI: 10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45760
C. Tay, B. Kortatsi
Groundwater samples from 68 communities within the Densu basin were sampled and analysed over a period of 1 year for various physico-chemical water quality parameters using appropriate certified and acceptable international procedures, in order to assess the water types as well as the suitability of groundwater within the basin for drinking and other domestic uses. The study showed that most of the physico-chemical parameters were within the World Health Organization limits recommended for drinking water. However, a few of the boreholes were slightly acidic. Some boreholes showed high level of mineralization. Borehole (GaD 6) at Pokuasi recorded the highest conductivity value of 7780.0 iS/cm. High levels of nitrates were also recorded in certain communities within the basin. These include Aponsahene (105.8 mg/l), Damang (66.0 mg/l), Adzen Kotoku (61.5 mg/l), Afabeng (50.8 mg/l), New Mangoase (48.3 mg/l), Asuoatwene (41.3 mg/l), Potrase (33.6 mg/l) and Maase (33.3 mg/l). Correlations between major ions showed expected process-based relationship between Ca2+ and Cl- (r = 0.86); Mg2+ and Cl- (r = 0.84); Na+ and SO4 2- (r =0.77); Na+ and Cl- (r = 0.75); Mg2+ and SO4 2- (r = 0.74); Mg2+ and Ca2+ (r = 0.71); Ca2+ and SO4 2- (r = 0.58); and K+ and SO4 2- (r = 0.51), derived mainly from the geochemical and biochemical processes within the aquifer. Two major hydrochemical water types constituting 41% of groundwater sources within the basin have been delineated. These are Ca-Mg-HCO3 water (19%) and Na –Cl or Na –Cl –HCO3- Cl water (22%) types. Fifty-nine per cent of groundwater sources are mixed waters with no particular cation predominating, and having either HCO3-or SO4 2- ions as the main anion.
{"title":"Groundwater quality studies: A Case study of the Densu Basin, Ghana","authors":"C. Tay, B. Kortatsi","doi":"10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45760","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45760","url":null,"abstract":"Groundwater samples from 68 communities within the Densu basin were sampled and analysed over a period of 1 year for various physico-chemical water quality parameters using appropriate certified and acceptable international procedures, in order to assess the water types as well as the suitability of groundwater within the basin for drinking and other domestic uses. The study showed that most of the physico-chemical parameters were within the World Health Organization limits recommended for drinking water. However, a few of the boreholes were slightly acidic. Some boreholes showed high level of mineralization. Borehole (GaD 6) at Pokuasi recorded the highest conductivity value of 7780.0 iS/cm. High levels of nitrates were also recorded in certain communities within the basin. These include Aponsahene (105.8 mg/l), Damang (66.0 mg/l), Adzen Kotoku (61.5 mg/l), Afabeng (50.8 mg/l), New Mangoase (48.3 mg/l), Asuoatwene (41.3 mg/l), Potrase (33.6 mg/l) and Maase (33.3 mg/l). Correlations between major ions showed expected process-based relationship between Ca2+ and Cl- (r = 0.86); Mg2+ and Cl- (r = 0.84); Na+ and SO4 2- (r =0.77); Na+ and Cl- (r = 0.75); Mg2+ and SO4 2- (r = 0.74); Mg2+ and Ca2+ (r = 0.71); Ca2+ and SO4 2- (r = 0.58); and K+ and SO4 2- (r = 0.51), derived mainly from the geochemical and biochemical processes within the aquifer. Two major hydrochemical water types constituting 41% of groundwater sources within the basin have been delineated. These are Ca-Mg-HCO3 water (19%) and Na –Cl or Na –Cl –HCO3- Cl water (22%) types. Fifty-nine per cent of groundwater sources are mixed waters with no particular cation predominating, and having either HCO3-or SO4 2- ions as the main anion.","PeriodicalId":39286,"journal":{"name":"West African Journal of Applied Ecology","volume":"12 1","pages":"81-99"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4314/WAJAE.V12I1.45760","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70684652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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