Artisanal and small-scale mining effects on freshwater resources: a case study of the Oda River in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

• DOI: 10.1007/s44274-025-00204-y
• Publication Date: 2025-02-18T11:56:30Z
• Authors: Raymond Anoyege; Kennedy A. Alatinga
• Keywords: Environmental sciences; Public health; Water quality; Water pollution; GE1-350; Mining effects

Abstract Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) have rendered freshwater resources across the globe unsafe for consumption, posing health risks. The study assessed 15 water quality parameters using standardised examination protocols. Twenty-four samples were analysed from upstream, midstream, downstream of Oda River, results compared with Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmarks. concentrations electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), fluoride (F), copper (Cu), cyanide (CN) within permissible limits. However, turbidity are 694, 1755, 1658 NTU (> 5.0), suspended (TSS) 438, 1380, 1360 mg/L 0), iron (Fe) 9.0, 34.0, 20.0 0.3 mg/L), faecal coliform 180, 145, 180 MPN/100 mL, Escherichia coli ( E. ) 83, 125, 235 mL 0 mL) exceeding recommended standards. Principal Component Analysis (CPA) Hierarchical Cluster (HCA) suggest low ASM impact in upstream to midstream downstream. Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) values 172.62 468.68 401.31 2.0) indicate severe pollution River. provides invaluable information on effects activities quality, ecosystems, public health. concludes that basins obstruct SDG-6 attainment should be banned or properly regulated.