Publications by authors named "Nana Hirota"
Frequent discharge of mercury waste from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) facilities into nearby farms may contaminate foodstuffs and the entire farms. High contamination levels may result in ecological risks to the soil, plants, animals, humans, and the entire farm ecosystem. This original research is the first study within the catchment areas that describes the effects of mercury waste on the entire farm ecosystem.
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- Food consumption is the primary way humans are exposed to mercury (Hg), often leading to health issues due to contamination from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) waste affecting nearby crops.
- A study in four communities near Obuasi, Ghana, assessed the health risks of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in plantains, revealing that only Odumase surpassed safety levels, posing potential non-carcinogenic health risks for residents.
- In contrast, other areas like Tweapease, Nyamebekyere, and Ahansonyewodea showed THg levels below recommended limits for both adults and children, indicating a lower risk of chronic health effects from consuming contaminated