Nitrates and other chemical contamination of groundwater resources in rural Ghana
Through the combination of geophysical, geological and geochemical studies, we revealed nitrate contamination of groundwater aquifers at farmlands in rural Ghana. The contamination is due to unique geology of the area (fractured bedrock covered by thin weathered loamy soil) and the indiscriminate application of fertilizers intended for higher crop yield.
The impact of farming activities by inhabitants of Nsawam District (Ghana) on groundwater quality has recently been investigated by a research team from Duke University funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and headed by Prof. Boadu. The investigation revealed nitrate (NO3-N) contamination of the groundwater due to excessive and widespread application of fertilizers on the farms to boost production of pineapples to generate income. Ground water is the only source water for drinking in the farming communities comprising of over 50 villages. The main source of income for the locals is agricultural production of pineapples. High concentration of nitrates in drinking water is detrimental to human health, and causes methemoglobinemia or 'blue baby' disorder in infants and unborn babies, and most times death, due to their low gastric acidity and undeveloped enzymatic system. It causes colon and gastrointestinal cancers in adults. Analyses of nitrate concentration levels in groundwater from several wells in the district indicate levels that far exceed the maximum permissible limit of 8 mg/L set by the World Health Organization (Boadu et al., 2007).