Papers by Ebenezer Mensah
This technical note presents the findings of a study into wastewater quality and its use for info... more This technical note presents the findings of a study into wastewater quality and its use for informal irrigation in Kumasi, Ghana. It forms part of a wider study into the productivity and hazards of peri-urban irrigation taking place in Kumasi and Nairobi, Kenya.
Environment and Natural Resources Research
This paper uses risk assessment of socio-economic and environmental indicators to develop criteri... more This paper uses risk assessment of socio-economic and environmental indicators to develop criteria for apportionment (AP) of funds to communities impacted by mining activities within a Forest Reserve environment in Ghana. A t-test statistic of assessment data shows that factors such as; cost of living, health conditions, air pollution, water contamination, land degradation and distance (D km) are significant. Ratings of the factors using a 1-5 intensity scale to determine risk values (RV) for communities indicate that RV of 25 requires no remediation, while (25-RV) is remediation factor. A long-term AP criterion using the ranked risk (RR) values is defined by the equation APRR%=7.45-0.233(RR) with R2 of 0.961. Based on this criterion, communities D and S which are located at 1.5 and 16.1km from the mining focus have APRR values of 7.23% and 2.26%, respectively. APRR% in relation to distance is defined by the equation APRR%=7.22-0.281(D) with R2 of 0.647. RR-dependent distance equati...
The dataset attached was produced and analysed in the undertaking of the study "Aboveground ... more The dataset attached was produced and analysed in the undertaking of the study "Aboveground Biomass and Vegetative Carbon Dioxide Sequestration of Bambusa vulgaris in Ghana's Bobiri Forest". The study aimed to estimate the vegetative carbon stock of B. vulgaris, the most widespread bamboo species in Ghana, by determining the aboveground biomass and the carbon stocks in the vegetative carbon pools (aboveground, belowground, coarse woody (dead bamboo), and litter. The study was conducted in the Bobiri Forest Reserve. Compartment information has been presented in the compartment tab in the data file attached. The dataset comprises raw and processed data from the three carbon pools measured i.e. aboveground biomass, coarse woody debris, and litter pool. The aboveground biomass was measured for n = 2,114 and the parameters were the clump dimensions (length and breadth), number of culms per clump, age of each culm per clump, diameter at breast height, and the stand area. Sam...
Sustainability, 2021
In this study, interviewer-based questionnaires of 67 variables were administered to local fabric... more In this study, interviewer-based questionnaires of 67 variables were administered to local fabricators and end-users of single-pot biomass stoves (SPBS) in Ghana. Additionally, two randomly selected traditional and improved SPBS were lab-tested using standard performance metrics. From the study, the relationship between fabricators and end-users was conceptualized based on selected indicators and assumptions. The study results indicated that the primary design resources for fabrication were patterns and templates, and that major challenges to fabrication were lack of training in design principles, standards and safety, poor emission efficiency and financial sustainability. Whereas end-users of improved SPBS were less affected by heat and smoke, end-users of traditional SPBS were mostly affected. From hypothesis test, because the calculated χ2cal = 24.05, and is greater than the tabulated χ2crit = 3.841, it is concluded that there is a relationship between heat, smoke effect and gend...
ABSTRACT: Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is prominent among vegetables produced in Ghana. About... more ABSTRACT: Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is prominent among vegetables produced in Ghana. About ninety percent (90%) of the population of the study area are engaged primarily in tomato production. Due to the problem posed by pests and diseases and the vulnerability of vegetables to most of these pests and diseases, a variety of pesticides including organophosphates, Organochlorines, carbamates, and synthetic pyrethroids are used extensively to deal with this persistent problem. The study was conducted to assess the current patterns and practices of pesticides use by farmers in three communities in the study area to investigate the level of farmers’ exposure to agrochemicals. Pesticide residue analysis on selected sampled tomatoes from the study area was carried out to determine whether they were within the FAO/WHO set Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Field data collected indicated that almost all (99%) of the farmers do not practice any form of safety precautions in the handling of ...
We investigated the effect of repetitive use of vegetable cooking oil using redfish (Lutjanus ful... more We investigated the effect of repetitive use of vegetable cooking oil using redfish (Lutjanus fulgens) as the food item that was fried with frytol cooking oil for 5 days in 6 batches of frying/day. The study results showed free fatty acid values of 2.407±0.32% and acid values of 4.815±0.605 mg KOHg-1, which were significantly higher compared to the Codex Alimentarius Commission standards. Peroxide values of 14.70 to 25.250 ± 2.179 meq O2/kg deviated from the Codex standard value of 10 meq O2/kg. The mean specific gravity of the oil also decreased from 0.901 (pure oil) to 0.887. The results showed degradation in the physico-chemical properties of the vegetable cooking oil after repetitive frying. We conclude that repetitive use of vegetable oilsafter 1-2 times of batch frying up to 250kg/batch should be avoided since changes in physico-chemical properties of the oil affect oil quality for human consumption. Oils not suitable for human consumption would be suitable for alternate uses ...
The study was carried out to identify major production constraints confronting establishment and ... more The study was carried out to identify major production constraints confronting establishment and rehabilitation of smallholder cocoa farms and its impacts on cocoa production. It was carried out by administering questionnaire and taking soil samples from five cocoa stations (Buako, Bunso, Kwadaso, Poano and Fumso) and six cocoa farming communities (Obuasi Nkwanta, Nyinahini, Akroso, Sefwi-Wiawso and Wassa-Akropong). Altogether one hundred and twenty farmers and five cocoa station officers were interviewed. The results revealed that the main constraints militating against the establishment and rehabilitation cocoa farms are poor soil nutrients, scarcity of early bearing and high yielding cocoa seeds and seedlings. Others are nonavailability of appropriate cocoa nursing poly bags, inappropriate watering application rate at the nursery period and poor agro-chemical application technology. The study showed that about 68 % of cocoa farmers raised cocoa seedlings using drinking water sach...
Journal of environment and earth science, 2017
Rainwater harvesting has several benefits including providing a valuable alternative source of wa... more Rainwater harvesting has several benefits including providing a valuable alternative source of water for households, reduction in flood flow to storm drains and settlement erosion as well as health benefits. The research aimed at assessing and confirming the available renewal water sources, determining the cost of developing a rainwater harvesting system and assessing the potential of rainwater as a supplement to water supply at Fumso. Using a systematic random sampling technique and a sample size of 100 respondents, it was discovered that rainwater harvesting in Adansi Fumso has the potential to conserve on-site potable water use, protect water quality and reduce the risk of flooding within the community. Rainwater was preferred by the community due to its easy accessibility, nature (clean, pure, healthier and tastier), cost and quality. An examination of the rainfall records at AngloGold Ashanti weather station at Obuasi revealed an average annual rainfall of 1449.2 mm with the dr...
International Journal of Engineering Research and, 2018
The paper examined morphometric characteristics of Offin River Basin in Ghana using Remote Sensin... more The paper examined morphometric characteristics of Offin River Basin in Ghana using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data with 30 m spatial resolution was used for the study. Different morphometric parameters including stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, relief ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, drainage texture, form factor, circularity ratio, elongation ratio, infiltration number and ruggedness number and their impact on hydrological processes such as infiltration, runoff, peak flow, overland flow and erosion in the Offin River Basin were discussed. The result revealed that Offin River Basin exhibited a dendritic drainage pattern with higher values of drainage density (13.02 km/km 2), drainage texture (9.60), infiltration number (8.07) and ruggedness number (7.26). These values make the basin prone to structural control, high surface runoff and more susceptible to soil erosion and recurrent flooding. Morphometric study of the five major watersheds in the basin also indicated that the watersheds are prone to soil erosion and high runoff generation associated with flatter peak flow creating conductive environment for watershed conservation measures. The results obtained in the Offin River Basin and it watersheds could serve as a valuable empirical data for building a robust physical soil and water resources conservation structures and management plan for sustainable basin and watershed management.
Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana), 2016
Most solar dryers rely on only solar energy as the heat source. This condition limits its use in ... more Most solar dryers rely on only solar energy as the heat source. This condition limits its use in off-sunny periods such as cloudy, rainy seasons and after sunset. The objectives of this study were to: develop a solar dryer with biomass backup heater for drying fruits; analyze its performance; and carry out comparative analysis of the dryer with and without biomass backup heater. An indirect solar dryer was designed, constructed and analysed using 4mm slices of pineapples and mangoes. Temperature, humidity and ambient air temperature were measured using Tinytag data loggers, EasyLog-USB 2 and HI 91610C Thermo-hygrometer. A 300g weight of charcoal, costing GHC 0.5 (US$ 0.16)was fed into the backup heater every 1-2 hours with a running cost of US$ 1-2.88/day. The results showed that the moisture content (MC) of the pineapples reduced from 87% to 16%(wb) and that of mangoes reduced from 85% to 15.5% (wb). On average, solar drying with backup took 14-18 sunshine hours to attain the desired MC, while that without backup took 20-27 sunshine hours. With biomass backup heater the drying rates were: pineapples (32.5g/h) and mangoes (19.3g/h), while without backup the drying rates were: pineapples (23.7g/h) and mangoes (15.5g/h). Better performance was obtained when the dryer was with a biomass backup heater.
International Journal of Agricultural Research, 2008
Energy for Sustainable Development, 2008
Nearly 75 % of the rural households in Ghana depend on kerosene lanterns as the main source of li... more Nearly 75 % of the rural households in Ghana depend on kerosene lanterns as the main source of lighting after sunset. However, concerns are being expressed on indoor air smoke and heat as well as fire hazards associated with the use of kerosene lanterns. Largely as a result of socioeconomic and environmental benefits, public solar photovoltaic (PV) electrification projects have been implemented to provide alternative lighting in off-grid communities in Ghana. The purpose of this paper was to assess the impacts of solar PV lighting on indoor air smoke in rural households. Using the with/without comparison method, 209 solar-electrified and non-electrified households were surveyed to assess impacts. The study results indicated that solar PV lighting is likely to reduce the proportion of household members being affected by indoor smoke from kerosene lanterns by 50 %. Furthermore, solar PV lighting is likely to reduce the proportion of household members who get blackened nostrils from soot associated with kerosene lanterns by nearly a third. This paper maintains that, though the effects identified by this study may be short-term, further research is needed to investigate both the medium-and long-term effects on human health. Given the low income levels of the rural poor and the costs involved in maintaining PV systems, effective policies and incentives for low-income earners are fundamental steps toward improvement in quality of life and widening of access.
... possible to complete the study. I would like to express my gratitude to my wife Dorothy and m... more ... possible to complete the study. I would like to express my gratitude to my wife Dorothy and my two sons, Nana Kwame Oppong Mensah and Kofi Adu Mensah for their tolerance, endurance and sacrifices they had to make at some point in time so that I could have the peace ...
Sustainability, 2020
Data on greenhouse gas emission levels associated with fertilization applied in smallholder paddy... more Data on greenhouse gas emission levels associated with fertilization applied in smallholder paddy rice farms in Ghana are scanty. The current study investigated fertilization types to determine their eco-friendliness on yield, Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Greenhouse Gas Intensity (GHGI) in a major rice season in the forest zone of Ghana. In total, five treatments were studied viz Farmer Practice (BAU); Biochar + Farmer Practice (BAU + BIO); Poultry Manure + Farmer Practice (BAU + M); Biochar + Poultry Manure + Farmer Practice (BAU + BIO + M); and Control (CT). Fluxes of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured using a static chamber-gas chromatography method. N2O emissions at the end of the growing season were significantly different across treatments. BAU + BIO + M had highest N2O flux mean of 0.38 kgNha−1day−1 (±0.18). BAU + M had the second highest N2O flux of 0.27 kgNha−1day−1 (±0.08), but was not significantly different from BAU at p > 0.05. BAU+BIO recorded...
Alexandria Engineering Journal
Energies
Coconut husks with the shells attached are potential bioenergy resources for fuel-constrained com... more Coconut husks with the shells attached are potential bioenergy resources for fuel-constrained communities in Ghana. In spite of their energy potential, coconut husks and shells are thrown away or burned raw resulting in poor sanitation and environmental pollution. This study focuses on quantifying the waste proportions, calorific values and pollutant emissions from the burning of raw uncharred and charred coconut wastes in Ghana. Fifty fresh coconuts were randomly sampled, fresh coconut waste samples were sun-dried up to 18 days, and a top-lit updraft biochar unit was used to produce biochar for the study. The heat contents of the coconut waste samples and emissions were determined. From the results, 62–65% of the whole coconut fruit can be generated as wastes. The calorific value of charred coconut wastes was 42% higher than the uncharred coconut wastes. PM2.5 and CO emissions were higher than the WHO 24 h air quality guidelines (AQG) value at 25 °C, 1 atmosphere, but the CO concen...
Environment and Natural Resources Research
This paper uses risk assessment of socio-economic and environmental indicators to develop criteri... more This paper uses risk assessment of socio-economic and environmental indicators to develop criteria for apportionment (AP) of funds to communities impacted by mining activities within a Forest Reserve environment in Ghana. A t-test statistic of assessment data shows that factors such as; cost of living, health conditions, air pollution, water contamination, land degradation and distance (D km) are significant. Ratings of the factors using a 1-5 intensity scale to determine risk values (RV) for communities indicate that RV of 25 requires no remediation, while (25-RV) is remediation factor. A long-term AP criterion using the ranked risk (RR) values is defined by the equation APRR%=7.45-0.233(RR) with R2 of 0.961. Based on this criterion, communities D and S which are located at 1.5 and 16.1km from the mining focus have APRR values of 7.23% and 2.26%, respectively. APRR% in relation to distance is defined by the equation APRR%=7.22-0.281(D) with R2 of 0.647. RR-dependent distance equati...
In Ghana, about 73% of households rely on solid fuels for cooking. Over 13,000 annual deaths are ... more In Ghana, about 73% of households rely on solid fuels for cooking. Over 13,000 annual deaths are attributed to exposure to indoor air pollution from inefficient combustion. In this study, assessment of thermal efficiency, emissions and total global warming impact of three cookstoves commonly used in Ghana was completed using IWA water boiling test (WBT) protocol. Statistical averages of three replicate tests for each cookstove were computed. Thermal efficiency results were: wood-burning cookstove 12.2% (Tier 0), traditional charcoal cookstove 23.3% (Tier 1-2) and improved charcoal cookstove 30% (Tier 2-3). The wood-burning cookstove emitted more CO, CO2 and PM2.5 than charcoal cookstove (coalpot) and improved cookstove. Emission factor for PM2.5 and emission rate for the wood-burning cookstove (Tier 0) were over four times higher than the traditional charcoal cookstove (Tier 3) and improved cookstove (Tier 2). On the basis of WBT, annual global warming impact potential for emissions...
Agriculture, 2017
Rice is an essential crop in Ghana. Several aspects of rice have been studied to increase its pro... more Rice is an essential crop in Ghana. Several aspects of rice have been studied to increase its production; however, the environmental aspects, including impact on climate change, have not been studied well. There is therefore a gap in knowledge, and hence the need for continuous research. By accessing academic portals, such as Springer Open, InTech Open, Elsevier, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology's offline campus library, 61 academic publications including peer reviewed journals, books, working papers, reports, etc. were critically reviewed. It was found that there is a lack of data on how paddy rice production systems affect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly emissions estimation, geographical location, and crops. Regarding GHG emission estimation, the review identified the use of emission factors calibrated using temperate conditions which do not suit tropical conditions. On location, most research on rice GHG emissions have been carried out in Asia with little input from Africa. In regard to crops, there is paucity of in-situ emissions data from paddy fields in Ghana. Drawing on the review, a conceptual framework is developed using Ghana as reference point to guide the discussion on fertilizer application, water management rice cultivars, and soil for future development of adaptation strategies for rice emission reduction.
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Papers by Ebenezer Mensah