Water Pollution Assessment and Community Perception of Major Rivers in Ghana

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Ghana's major rivers face significant pollution, impacting community health and livelihoods.
• Limited research exists on water quality and public perception of pollution sources in these rivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the water quality of major rivers in Ghana.
• To evaluate community perceptions of river pollution sources and their impacts.
• To identify effective strategies for mitigating river pollution.

Main Methods:

• Water samples from 6 major rivers were analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological parameters using APHA Standard Methods.
• A survey of 400 residents was conducted using stratified random sampling.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Pearson correlation, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and regression.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, and E. coli were detected in river water.
• Nitrate concentrations increased downstream, while E. coli was highest midstream.
• Mining activities were identified as the primary pollution source (59%), followed by industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and sewage.
• Age, education, and gender significantly influenced pollution perceptions.
• Stricter regulations, sustainable farming, and community campaigns were favored mitigation strategies.

Conclusions:

• River pollution significantly contributes to economic, health, and psychological issues in Ghana.
• Public awareness and demographic factors shape pollution perception, behavior, and policy responses.
• Prioritizing stricter regulations, sustainable practices, and community engagement is essential for river protection.