Graduate school of Nuclear and allied sciences
at University of GhanaSign up to Academia.edu
Assessment of Pollution into the Densu Delta Wetland Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis
Abstract: The objective of this work is to assess the levels of trace elements and the extent of pollution in the
surface water and sediments from in the Densu delta wetland using INAA, PLI and the help of statistical tools
like PCA and CA establish their common sources. Eight samples of surface water, eight samples of sediments
were taken for elemental analysis. The samples were analyzed for physical and chemical parameters, as well
as trace elements (Al, Cu, V, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cr, Fe and As). The results showed that the surface water in the area
can be described as slightly alkaline with pH of 7.5 and high conductivities of 150-3412:S/cm with
corresponding TDS of 80-1750 mg/L. Statistical analyses such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and
Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to identify trace elements pollution in the wetland area. Results from CA and
PCA suggest positive relationships between the two analyses. Trace elements were identified as originating
from a common source in all the analyses. The PLI calculated for sediments in the study area were found to
be below the index limit of 1. This shows that the surface waters are not yet polluted with respect to trace
elements but the originality of the ecosystem is threatened.
Download (.pdf)