A total of 155 domestic samples of vegetables were collected from local markets in Greater Accra ... more A total of 155 domestic samples of vegetables were collected from local markets in Greater Accra region of the country. All samples were examined for residues of 21 pesticides, including organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroids. Overall, 52% of the samples had detectable pesticide residues. Of the contaminated samples, 32% contained detectable residues within the MRLs and 21% exceeded their EU maximum residue limits (MRLs) adopted values. The synthetic pyrethroid pesticides recorded higher amount of violation compared with organophosphorus. The most frequently violated pesticides were allethrin and chlorpyrifos at 21% and 14% of violated samples analyzed respectively, which can be an indication of bleach of GAPs for use of these pesticides.
The need to satisfy the ever increasing petroleum demand coupled with the availability of enough ... more The need to satisfy the ever increasing petroleum demand coupled with the availability of enough crude oil reserves to meet demand for several decades to come makes petroleum contamination a globally important subject. Bioremediation has emerged as an efficient treatment option for the remediation of organic contaminants including petroleum owing to the failure of physico-chemical treatment options to address petroleum contamination. The current study targeted the application of compost tea (CT) and egg shell powder (ESP) solution at various levels as nutrient amendments/bio-stimulants for hydrocarbon-eating microbes attached to support media surfaces in a fixed-bed bioreactor system. CT and ESP were characterized to be rich in essential nutrients including N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na and C. CT and ESP application at four levels each recorded appreciable boosts in microbial numbers and TPH removal across applied levels. CT application recorded 23.49±2.20 to 29.36±0.79 % boost in TPH removal...
The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by empl... more The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by employing yeast fermentation technology to produce a more stable, value-added product in this case fruit wine. The design of the study involved determination of the fermentative capabilities of four commercial yeast types on musts obtained from an improved (Keitt) mango cultivar that is popularly cultivated in some parts of Ghana for export. The characteristics of the mango musts that were monitored included total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total acidity (TA), microbial populations (aerophilic mesophiles, yeasts and Acetic acid Bacteria), alcohol content and colour over the course of the fermentations. Descriptive and hedonic sensory evaluation was carried out on the ferments obtained from all treatments. Results showed that two of the yeast types namely; Red Star Pasteur and Red Star Montrachet displayed superior fermentation characteristics and produced mango wines that were acceptable b...
L egume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghana... more L egume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghanaians. These legumes because of pest and insect infestation are preserved with pesticides by farmers and vendors. Therefore the study monitored pesticide residues in cowpea and Bambara beans from some open markets in the Accra Metropolis for 24 months and assessed the health risk for consumers. The results revealed varied concentrations of organophosphate (OPs) and synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pesticides whereas organ ochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were astonishingly not detected in any of the samples investigated. The field survey data indicated that most vendors were aware of the effect and use of pesticides and the application of phosphine tablets in storing these commo dities. Notwithstanding, about 70 % of the cowpea sold at these markets is imported from neighbouring countries. The health risk estimate also demonstrated that the levels of pesticide residues on the legumes did not pose any...
Environmental science and pollution research international, 2017
Monitoring of pesticide residues in food commodities of plant origin is part of the regular contr... more Monitoring of pesticide residues in food commodities of plant origin is part of the regular controls on food to safeguard consumer's health. This study reports for the first time in Ghana a 3-year (2010-2012) monitoring of pesticide contamination of fruits and vegetables and their health implications. A total of 3483 samples were purchased in notable markets within Accra Metropolis and analysed for pesticide residues, employing the modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe analytical procedure. The results indicated that almost all the fruits and vegetables studied had residues above maximum residue limits (MRLs). The commodities with the greatest concentrations exceeding the European Union (EU) MRLs were long green beans (60.6%) and lettuce (57.1%) with watermelon (10%) and green pepper (8.6%) having the least. The relative occurrence of the pesticides was fenvalerate 11.3%, fenitrothion 5.6%, lambda-cyhalothrin 3.6%, dimethoate 3.2%, permethrin 2.7% and deltameth...
Studies evaluating dermal exposure to pesticides among applicators in tropical countries have lar... more Studies evaluating dermal exposure to pesticides among applicators in tropical countries have largely been conducted using the patch dosimetry and hand wiping/washing techniques. This study used the more accurate whole-body dosimetry technique to evaluate dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos among applicators on rice farms in Ghana. The exposure levels were plotted as Cumulative Probability Distribution (CPD). Total Dermal Exposure (TDE) of chlorpyrifos among the median exposed and the 5% highly exposed groups during a spray event were 24 mg and 48 mg, respectively. When these were converted as a percentage of the quantity of active ingredient applied (Unit Exposure, UE), UE values of 0.03% and 0.06% were found among the median exposed and the 5% highly exposed groups, respectively. Overall, the hands were the most contaminated anatomical regions of the applicators, both in terms of proportion of TDE (39%) and skin loading (13 µg/cm 2). Also, the lower anatomical region was more contaminated (82% of TDE) compared to the upper anatomical region (18% of TDE). The levels of chlorpyrifos TDE among the applicators were found to be influenced by the quantity of insecticide applied and the height of the crops sprayed (p < 0.05). The pesticide UE data of the present study can be used to estimate the levels of dermal exposure under similar pesticide 2 use scenarios among applicators. The findings of the present study suggest that protecting the hands and the lower anatomical regions with appropriate PPE may significantly reduce exposure among applicators.
The petrol extract of the rootbark of Milletia Thonningii obtained by column chromatography affor... more The petrol extract of the rootbark of Milletia Thonningii obtained by column chromatography afforded sixteen different crystalline samples to be isolated. The crystal structures of two of these compounds, O,O-Dimethylalpinumisoflavone (I) and 5-O-Methyl-4'-O-(3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl)alpinumisoflavone (II) are being reported here. (II) has two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit and differs from (I) in a longer side chain attached to C(15) of the phenyl ring. The structural features of the three molecules in the title compounds are reported and compared. The derivatives, being subject of this article are the first reported crystal structures where the isoflavone fragment is fused to a further six membered ring that results in a tricyclic ring system. The benzopyrone fragments are planar. The dihedral angles between the benzopyrone fragment and the phenyl ring being 55.38(6) o for (I) and 44.75(15) o /44.64(15) o for the respective independent molecules of (II) are within the range of values observed for similar structures.
Cocoa is a major source of employment, smallholder farmers' incomes, and export revenue in Ghana.... more Cocoa is a major source of employment, smallholder farmers' incomes, and export revenue in Ghana. However, by 2010 institutional constraints throughout the value chain were failing to sustain bean quality and cocoa production. A national-level innovation platform, comprising key public and private actors in the cocoa sector, was established in 2010 to analyse and act to address this concern. The members' initial inquiries revealed that: farmers indirectly were paying for the national mass spraying and Hi-Tech input programmes, both provided free at the point of delivery. As the largest components in the cost structure, these programmes to a large extent accounted for the low price paid to farmers for their beans; a volatile exchange rate regime meant that often the prevailing rate was not equal to its equilibrium level; policies that heavily taxed cocoa were destroying farmers' expectation of long-term profitability. This paper draws on data recorded from the beginning 2009 to end 2013 by means of theory-guided process tracing (TGPT), to show how the platform contributed to increased prices for farmers, to subsequent reform of the input supply arrangements, and to changes to the mass spraying programme. The key causal mechanisms identified are policy learning and progressive amendment of existing institutions. The paper concludes by drawing lessons for the role of an innovation platform.
Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 17, 2016
Pesticides are known to improve agriculture yield considerably leading to an increase in its appl... more Pesticides are known to improve agriculture yield considerably leading to an increase in its application over the years. The use of pesticides has shown varying detrimental effects in humans as well as the environment. Presently, enough evidence is available to suggest their misuse and overuse in the last few decades in most developing nations primarily due to lack of education, endangering the lives of farmers as well as the entire population and environment. However, there is paucity of data especially over long durations in Ghana resulting in the absence of effective monitoring programs regarding pesticide application and subsequent contamination in fruits and vegetables. Therefore, this review discusses comprehensively pesticide type and use, importation, presence in fruits and vegetables, human exposure, and poisoning in Ghana. This is to alert the scientific community in Ghana of the need to further research into the potential implications of pesticide residues in food commodi...
Legume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghanai... more Legume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghanaians. These legumes because of pest and insect infestation are preserved with pesticides by farmers and vendors. Therefore the study monitored pesticide residues in cowpea and Bambara beans from some open markets in the Accra Metropolis for 24 months and assessed the health risk for consumers. The results revealed varied concentrations of organophosphate (OPs) and synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pesticides whereas organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were astonishingly not detected in any of the samples investigated. The field survey data indicated that most vendors were aware of the effect and use of pesticides and the application of phosphine tablets in storing these commodities. Notwithstanding, about 70 % of the cowpea sold at these markets is imported from neighbouring countries. The health risk estimate also demonstrated that the levels of pesticide residues on the legumes did not pose any he...
In this preliminary study, a total of twenty (20) tea samples of different origins (black and gre... more In this preliminary study, a total of twenty (20) tea samples of different origins (black and green teas) imported into Ghana were analyzed for the total content of essential mineral elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn) and toxic trace elements (Pb, Cd, Ni, Co) both in their tea leaves and infusions. K was evaluated with flame photometer whereas the other elements were analyzed with the inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). All examined brands showed considerable levels of essential elements with K (mean:19,129.6mg/kg) and Mn (mean:481.3mg/kg) being abundant in both tea leaves and their infusions [K (6977.8mg/kg); Mn (163.6mg/kg)]. The levels of Pb and Cd were comparatively lower than the essential elements in the case of tea leaves whereas Ni and Co were not detected in both tea leaves and their infusion. The extractability of the metals in the infusion after 3 minutes was low and varied, however it improved greatly when the infusion time was ...
The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by empl... more The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by employing yeast fermentation technology to produce a more stable, value-added product in this case fruit wine. The design of the study involved determination of the fermentative capabilities of four commercial yeast types on musts obtained from an improved (Keitt) mango cultivar that is popularly cultivated in some parts of Ghana for export. The characteristics of the mango musts that were monitored included total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total acidity (TA), microbial populations (aerophilic mesophiles, yeasts and Acetic acid Bacteria), alcohol content and colour over the course of the fermentations. Descriptive and hedonic sensory evaluation was carried out on the ferments obtained from all treatments. Results showed that two of the yeast types namely; Red Star Pasteur and Red Star Montrachet displayed superior fermentation characteristics and produced mango wines that were acceptable b...
Efficient methods of post harvest handling, preservation and value addition are critical for mini... more Efficient methods of post harvest handling, preservation and value addition are critical for minimizing high losses in the post harvest chain of fruits. The goal of this study was to address this problem by employing yeast fermentation technology to produce a more stable, value added product from mangoes. The design of the study involved determination of the fermentative capabilities of a selected yeast strain on the quality characteristics of mango wine obtained from two selected mango cultivars (improved and wild) with and without peels. The response variables monitored in the must and wine included total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total acidity (TA), microbial populations (aerophilic mesophiles, yeasts and Acetic acid Bacteria), and alcohol content. Volatile compounds development was also monitored using GC-FID procedures. Descriptive and hedonic sensory evaluations were carried out on the mango wine obtained from all treatments. The effects of mango peels in must fermentation ...
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 2015
In this study, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;a... more In this study, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;QuEChERS&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; method was modified for the determination of 36 pesticides fortified at (0.01-1.0) mg kg(-1) in three vegetables and a fruit (lettuce, carrot, tomatoes and pineapples respectively) from Ghana. The method involved extraction with acetonitrile, phase separation with primary secondary amine and magnesium sulfate; the final injection solution was reconstituted in ethyl acetate. Organochlorine and synthetic pyrethroids residues were detected with electron capture detector whereas organophosphorus, pulsed flame photometric detector was used. The recoveries at different concentration levels (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1)) were in the range of 83% and 93% with relative standard deviation ranging from 2% to 10% (n = 5) and the coefficient of determination (R(2)) was greater than 0.99 for all the 36 pesticides. The method was successfully tested on 120 real samples from Accra markets and this proved to be useful for monitoring purposes particularly in laboratories that have no gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
The distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the aquatic ecosystem from the Densu river revea... more The distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the aquatic ecosystem from the Densu river revealed varying levels of concentration in water and the sediment samples. Three locations were sampled along the river to evaluate the levels of organochlorine pesticide residue in the river. Sediment and surface water samples were extracted by soxhlet and liquid-liquid extraction respectively and analyzed using Gas Chromatograph coupled with electron capture detector. The detectable organochlorine pesticides were gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), delta-hexachlorocyclohexane, heptachlor, aldrin and dieldrin. The other pesticides that were investigated are gamma-chlordane, alpha endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, p,p'-DDT and its metabolite p,p'-DDE, methoxychlor, endrin and its metabolite endrin aldehyde and endrin ketone. The order of increasing frequency of detection of samples was higher in sediment than water. In sediment, the mean concentration ranged from 0.030 μg kg(-1) dry wei...
A total of 155 domestic samples of vegetables were collected from local markets in Greater Accra ... more A total of 155 domestic samples of vegetables were collected from local markets in Greater Accra region of the country. All samples were examined for residues of 21 pesticides, including organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroids. Overall, 52% of the samples had detectable pesticide residues. Of the contaminated samples, 32% contained detectable residues within the MRLs and 21% exceeded their EU maximum residue limits (MRLs) adopted values. The synthetic pyrethroid pesticides recorded higher amount of violation compared with organophosphorus. The most frequently violated pesticides were allethrin and chlorpyrifos at 21% and 14% of violated samples analyzed respectively, which can be an indication of bleach of GAPs for use of these pesticides.
The need to satisfy the ever increasing petroleum demand coupled with the availability of enough ... more The need to satisfy the ever increasing petroleum demand coupled with the availability of enough crude oil reserves to meet demand for several decades to come makes petroleum contamination a globally important subject. Bioremediation has emerged as an efficient treatment option for the remediation of organic contaminants including petroleum owing to the failure of physico-chemical treatment options to address petroleum contamination. The current study targeted the application of compost tea (CT) and egg shell powder (ESP) solution at various levels as nutrient amendments/bio-stimulants for hydrocarbon-eating microbes attached to support media surfaces in a fixed-bed bioreactor system. CT and ESP were characterized to be rich in essential nutrients including N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na and C. CT and ESP application at four levels each recorded appreciable boosts in microbial numbers and TPH removal across applied levels. CT application recorded 23.49±2.20 to 29.36±0.79 % boost in TPH removal...
The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by empl... more The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by employing yeast fermentation technology to produce a more stable, value-added product in this case fruit wine. The design of the study involved determination of the fermentative capabilities of four commercial yeast types on musts obtained from an improved (Keitt) mango cultivar that is popularly cultivated in some parts of Ghana for export. The characteristics of the mango musts that were monitored included total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total acidity (TA), microbial populations (aerophilic mesophiles, yeasts and Acetic acid Bacteria), alcohol content and colour over the course of the fermentations. Descriptive and hedonic sensory evaluation was carried out on the ferments obtained from all treatments. Results showed that two of the yeast types namely; Red Star Pasteur and Red Star Montrachet displayed superior fermentation characteristics and produced mango wines that were acceptable b...
L egume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghana... more L egume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghanaians. These legumes because of pest and insect infestation are preserved with pesticides by farmers and vendors. Therefore the study monitored pesticide residues in cowpea and Bambara beans from some open markets in the Accra Metropolis for 24 months and assessed the health risk for consumers. The results revealed varied concentrations of organophosphate (OPs) and synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pesticides whereas organ ochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were astonishingly not detected in any of the samples investigated. The field survey data indicated that most vendors were aware of the effect and use of pesticides and the application of phosphine tablets in storing these commo dities. Notwithstanding, about 70 % of the cowpea sold at these markets is imported from neighbouring countries. The health risk estimate also demonstrated that the levels of pesticide residues on the legumes did not pose any...
Environmental science and pollution research international, 2017
Monitoring of pesticide residues in food commodities of plant origin is part of the regular contr... more Monitoring of pesticide residues in food commodities of plant origin is part of the regular controls on food to safeguard consumer's health. This study reports for the first time in Ghana a 3-year (2010-2012) monitoring of pesticide contamination of fruits and vegetables and their health implications. A total of 3483 samples were purchased in notable markets within Accra Metropolis and analysed for pesticide residues, employing the modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe analytical procedure. The results indicated that almost all the fruits and vegetables studied had residues above maximum residue limits (MRLs). The commodities with the greatest concentrations exceeding the European Union (EU) MRLs were long green beans (60.6%) and lettuce (57.1%) with watermelon (10%) and green pepper (8.6%) having the least. The relative occurrence of the pesticides was fenvalerate 11.3%, fenitrothion 5.6%, lambda-cyhalothrin 3.6%, dimethoate 3.2%, permethrin 2.7% and deltameth...
Studies evaluating dermal exposure to pesticides among applicators in tropical countries have lar... more Studies evaluating dermal exposure to pesticides among applicators in tropical countries have largely been conducted using the patch dosimetry and hand wiping/washing techniques. This study used the more accurate whole-body dosimetry technique to evaluate dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos among applicators on rice farms in Ghana. The exposure levels were plotted as Cumulative Probability Distribution (CPD). Total Dermal Exposure (TDE) of chlorpyrifos among the median exposed and the 5% highly exposed groups during a spray event were 24 mg and 48 mg, respectively. When these were converted as a percentage of the quantity of active ingredient applied (Unit Exposure, UE), UE values of 0.03% and 0.06% were found among the median exposed and the 5% highly exposed groups, respectively. Overall, the hands were the most contaminated anatomical regions of the applicators, both in terms of proportion of TDE (39%) and skin loading (13 µg/cm 2). Also, the lower anatomical region was more contaminated (82% of TDE) compared to the upper anatomical region (18% of TDE). The levels of chlorpyrifos TDE among the applicators were found to be influenced by the quantity of insecticide applied and the height of the crops sprayed (p < 0.05). The pesticide UE data of the present study can be used to estimate the levels of dermal exposure under similar pesticide 2 use scenarios among applicators. The findings of the present study suggest that protecting the hands and the lower anatomical regions with appropriate PPE may significantly reduce exposure among applicators.
The petrol extract of the rootbark of Milletia Thonningii obtained by column chromatography affor... more The petrol extract of the rootbark of Milletia Thonningii obtained by column chromatography afforded sixteen different crystalline samples to be isolated. The crystal structures of two of these compounds, O,O-Dimethylalpinumisoflavone (I) and 5-O-Methyl-4'-O-(3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl)alpinumisoflavone (II) are being reported here. (II) has two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit and differs from (I) in a longer side chain attached to C(15) of the phenyl ring. The structural features of the three molecules in the title compounds are reported and compared. The derivatives, being subject of this article are the first reported crystal structures where the isoflavone fragment is fused to a further six membered ring that results in a tricyclic ring system. The benzopyrone fragments are planar. The dihedral angles between the benzopyrone fragment and the phenyl ring being 55.38(6) o for (I) and 44.75(15) o /44.64(15) o for the respective independent molecules of (II) are within the range of values observed for similar structures.
Cocoa is a major source of employment, smallholder farmers' incomes, and export revenue in Ghana.... more Cocoa is a major source of employment, smallholder farmers' incomes, and export revenue in Ghana. However, by 2010 institutional constraints throughout the value chain were failing to sustain bean quality and cocoa production. A national-level innovation platform, comprising key public and private actors in the cocoa sector, was established in 2010 to analyse and act to address this concern. The members' initial inquiries revealed that: farmers indirectly were paying for the national mass spraying and Hi-Tech input programmes, both provided free at the point of delivery. As the largest components in the cost structure, these programmes to a large extent accounted for the low price paid to farmers for their beans; a volatile exchange rate regime meant that often the prevailing rate was not equal to its equilibrium level; policies that heavily taxed cocoa were destroying farmers' expectation of long-term profitability. This paper draws on data recorded from the beginning 2009 to end 2013 by means of theory-guided process tracing (TGPT), to show how the platform contributed to increased prices for farmers, to subsequent reform of the input supply arrangements, and to changes to the mass spraying programme. The key causal mechanisms identified are policy learning and progressive amendment of existing institutions. The paper concludes by drawing lessons for the role of an innovation platform.
Environmental science and pollution research international, Jan 17, 2016
Pesticides are known to improve agriculture yield considerably leading to an increase in its appl... more Pesticides are known to improve agriculture yield considerably leading to an increase in its application over the years. The use of pesticides has shown varying detrimental effects in humans as well as the environment. Presently, enough evidence is available to suggest their misuse and overuse in the last few decades in most developing nations primarily due to lack of education, endangering the lives of farmers as well as the entire population and environment. However, there is paucity of data especially over long durations in Ghana resulting in the absence of effective monitoring programs regarding pesticide application and subsequent contamination in fruits and vegetables. Therefore, this review discusses comprehensively pesticide type and use, importation, presence in fruits and vegetables, human exposure, and poisoning in Ghana. This is to alert the scientific community in Ghana of the need to further research into the potential implications of pesticide residues in food commodi...
Legume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghanai... more Legume related foods of cowpea and bambara beans rich in protein are notable diets of most Ghanaians. These legumes because of pest and insect infestation are preserved with pesticides by farmers and vendors. Therefore the study monitored pesticide residues in cowpea and Bambara beans from some open markets in the Accra Metropolis for 24 months and assessed the health risk for consumers. The results revealed varied concentrations of organophosphate (OPs) and synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pesticides whereas organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were astonishingly not detected in any of the samples investigated. The field survey data indicated that most vendors were aware of the effect and use of pesticides and the application of phosphine tablets in storing these commodities. Notwithstanding, about 70 % of the cowpea sold at these markets is imported from neighbouring countries. The health risk estimate also demonstrated that the levels of pesticide residues on the legumes did not pose any he...
In this preliminary study, a total of twenty (20) tea samples of different origins (black and gre... more In this preliminary study, a total of twenty (20) tea samples of different origins (black and green teas) imported into Ghana were analyzed for the total content of essential mineral elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn) and toxic trace elements (Pb, Cd, Ni, Co) both in their tea leaves and infusions. K was evaluated with flame photometer whereas the other elements were analyzed with the inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). All examined brands showed considerable levels of essential elements with K (mean:19,129.6mg/kg) and Mn (mean:481.3mg/kg) being abundant in both tea leaves and their infusions [K (6977.8mg/kg); Mn (163.6mg/kg)]. The levels of Pb and Cd were comparatively lower than the essential elements in the case of tea leaves whereas Ni and Co were not detected in both tea leaves and their infusion. The extractability of the metals in the infusion after 3 minutes was low and varied, however it improved greatly when the infusion time was ...
The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by empl... more The goal of this study was to address the problem of large post harvest losses of mangoes by employing yeast fermentation technology to produce a more stable, value-added product in this case fruit wine. The design of the study involved determination of the fermentative capabilities of four commercial yeast types on musts obtained from an improved (Keitt) mango cultivar that is popularly cultivated in some parts of Ghana for export. The characteristics of the mango musts that were monitored included total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total acidity (TA), microbial populations (aerophilic mesophiles, yeasts and Acetic acid Bacteria), alcohol content and colour over the course of the fermentations. Descriptive and hedonic sensory evaluation was carried out on the ferments obtained from all treatments. Results showed that two of the yeast types namely; Red Star Pasteur and Red Star Montrachet displayed superior fermentation characteristics and produced mango wines that were acceptable b...
Efficient methods of post harvest handling, preservation and value addition are critical for mini... more Efficient methods of post harvest handling, preservation and value addition are critical for minimizing high losses in the post harvest chain of fruits. The goal of this study was to address this problem by employing yeast fermentation technology to produce a more stable, value added product from mangoes. The design of the study involved determination of the fermentative capabilities of a selected yeast strain on the quality characteristics of mango wine obtained from two selected mango cultivars (improved and wild) with and without peels. The response variables monitored in the must and wine included total soluble solids (TSS), pH and total acidity (TA), microbial populations (aerophilic mesophiles, yeasts and Acetic acid Bacteria), and alcohol content. Volatile compounds development was also monitored using GC-FID procedures. Descriptive and hedonic sensory evaluations were carried out on the mango wine obtained from all treatments. The effects of mango peels in must fermentation ...
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 2015
In this study, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;a... more In this study, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;QuEChERS&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; method was modified for the determination of 36 pesticides fortified at (0.01-1.0) mg kg(-1) in three vegetables and a fruit (lettuce, carrot, tomatoes and pineapples respectively) from Ghana. The method involved extraction with acetonitrile, phase separation with primary secondary amine and magnesium sulfate; the final injection solution was reconstituted in ethyl acetate. Organochlorine and synthetic pyrethroids residues were detected with electron capture detector whereas organophosphorus, pulsed flame photometric detector was used. The recoveries at different concentration levels (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1)) were in the range of 83% and 93% with relative standard deviation ranging from 2% to 10% (n = 5) and the coefficient of determination (R(2)) was greater than 0.99 for all the 36 pesticides. The method was successfully tested on 120 real samples from Accra markets and this proved to be useful for monitoring purposes particularly in laboratories that have no gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
The distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the aquatic ecosystem from the Densu river revea... more The distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the aquatic ecosystem from the Densu river revealed varying levels of concentration in water and the sediment samples. Three locations were sampled along the river to evaluate the levels of organochlorine pesticide residue in the river. Sediment and surface water samples were extracted by soxhlet and liquid-liquid extraction respectively and analyzed using Gas Chromatograph coupled with electron capture detector. The detectable organochlorine pesticides were gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), delta-hexachlorocyclohexane, heptachlor, aldrin and dieldrin. The other pesticides that were investigated are gamma-chlordane, alpha endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, p,p'-DDT and its metabolite p,p'-DDE, methoxychlor, endrin and its metabolite endrin aldehyde and endrin ketone. The order of increasing frequency of detection of samples was higher in sediment than water. In sediment, the mean concentration ranged from 0.030 μg kg(-1) dry wei...
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Papers by Paul Osei-fosu