UNIVERSITY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

ASSESSMENT OF TANO RIVER WATER QUALITY USING A COMBINATION OF

WATER QUALITY AND POLLUTION INDICES

BY

NAME: GWENDALYN OPPONG

INDEX NUMBER: UWB0700923

APRIL, 2024
 ABSTRACT
The Tano River is a major water resource for the people living in and around the Bono, Bono
East, Ahafo Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana. The river is utilized for bathing, fishing,
farming, industrial activities (small and large-scale mining), washing, and construction purposes.
This has created fear among the people living in and around the Tano River about the quality and
safety of utilising the river. This proposed research aims to determine the level of concentration
in the Tano River as well as using a combined water quality index (WQI) and pollution index
(PI) to assess and characterize river water quality of the Tano River which is one of the longest
rivers in the Bono and Ahafo region. Employing rigorous sampling, laboratory analysis, and
statistical techniques, the study will be conducted in the Tano River Basin, including key
upstream, midstream and downstream areas. The study is scheduled for May to June 2024, and
the research aims to contribute to improved environmental management and public health
protection. The total budget for the study is 10,000 Ghana Cedis.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................ii

TABLE OF CONTENT.................................................................................................................iii

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background............................................................................................................................1

1.2 Problem Statement.................................................................................................................2

1.3 Justification............................................................................................................................3

1.4 Aim and Objectives................................................................................................................4

METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................5

2.1 Description of the study area.................................................................................................5

2.2 Research design and Data Collection.....................................................................................6

2.2.1 Sampling and laboratory analysis Sampling.......................................................................6

2.2.2 Laboratory analysis.............................................................................................................6

2.3 Method of Data Analysis.......................................................................................................7

2.4 Water quality index analysis..................................................................................................7

2.5 Workplan, Budget and Timeline............................................................................................9

2.6 Proposal Timeline or Workplan.............................................................................................9

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

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 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
All life forms need freshwater as a basic necessity, making it a crucial natural resource. At the
river and watershed scales, numerous human activities and natural variables interact to control
the quality of rivers. Freshwater demand has been rising quickly in many developing nations,
particularly Ghana (Chen & Lu, 2014; Nasirudeen et al., 2021). Due to unsustainable
anthropogenic activity, surface water quality is becoming a major environmental concern.
Although human activities threaten freshwater, it provides numerous socioeconomic services
(Nyantakyi & Akoto, 2019).

Priorities for sustainable water management can be set by researchers with the help of an
understanding of the temporal and geographical fluctuations in river water quality and an
estimation of the main regional factors that affect water quality. Many studies have been done on
the connections between socioeconomic variables such as population density, land use/cover,
point source discharge and water quality indices. Likewise, geography and animal waste
discharge are also thought to have a significant impact on the watershed rivers' water quality
(Banunle et al., 2018). Also, natural processes and anthropogenic activities including industrial
discharges, urbanization, mining, and agricultural and atmospheric deposition have both been
implicated in the occurrence of toxins such as heavy metals in freshwater (Khan et al., 2021).
The solubility, mobility, and persistence of heavy metals as well as the medium's adsorption
qualities typically increase their presence in water, sediment, and aquatic animals. They either
persist in such media or bioaccumulate in food chains to create health-related issues such as renal
illness, liver disease, brain tumours, and skin disorders in people who may consume metal-
contaminated water or seafood (Duan et al., 2019; Khan et al., 2004).

Furthermore, spatial and temporal variations in surface water quality are a result of land use
dynamics, socioeconomic activities, and fertilizer application. The link between the usage of
water and land use is significantly impacted by irrigation and fertilization (Khan et al., 2021).
subsequently, surface water quality and soil nutrition are significantly impacted by both
inadequate and excessive fertilization. Animal grazing is associated with deteriorating water
quality (nutrients and faecal indicator bacteria), which poses a concern to both human and

1
environmental health. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand
(BOD), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Phosphorus (TP), and turbidity are significantly
influenced by population density, animal husbandry, and dissolved phosphorus (Wellcome,
2015; Wiel-Shafran et al., 2006). The concentration of total suspended particles, NO3+, NO2, Cu,
Zn, oil, and grease are strongly correlated with the density of people. River water quality is
negatively impacted by intensive anthropogenic activity and fertilizer applications for high crop
yields (Kumi-aboagye, 2012).

The Tano River is a major water resource for the people living in and around the Bono, Bono
East, and Ahafo Regions of Ghana. Bathing, fishing, farming, industrial activities (small and
large-scale mining), washing, and construction purposes are among some of the activities mostly
seen in and around the river (Chen & Lu, 2014). Recently, there has been fear among the people
living in and around the Tano River, particularly the Sunyani Municipality that socioeconomic
activities particularly small-scale mining (Nasirudeen et al., 2021) may lead to pollution of the
water body as well as the immediate environment thereby making the flora and fauna unsafe.
However, climate change, speedy growth population coupled with slapdash industrialization and
extension of urbanization combined with improper sanitation management, resulted in quality
degradation of these water resources (Tsado et al., 2014; Al-Isawi et al., 2016) by dint of massive
upsurge in release of extensive assortment of organic and inorganic pollutants including
petroleum hydrocarbons, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD),
total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, nitrogen compounds, toxic
metals and fecal coliforms from domestic, agricultural and industrial sources. This proposed
study therefore seek to assess Tano River water quality in Ghana using Water quality and
pollution indices.

1.2 Problem Statement

Ghana has abundant water resources including rivers, lakes, rivers, rainfall and the sea, but there
is often shortage of water in some part of the country due to poor management of water
resources. The Tano River is largely polluted by discharging of industrial waste, surface mining
activities, agriculture production and residential activities. Untreated river used for irrigation can
lead to severe and fatal health consequences as it may contain bacteria, viruses, protozoa and

2
nematodes which can cause various diseases (Wim et al, 2002). This makes the use of river for
irrigation a serious threat to public health and the environment if not treated. All individuals
involved in the production, marketing and consumption of food from such farms are exposed to
contaminants in the river. A review of several irrigation studies worldwide showed clear
evidence of direct correlations between the consumption of river irrigated vegetables and the
occurrence of diseases such as diarrhea (Al-Badani et al., 2014). A lot of concerns have therefore
been raised by food scientists, non-governmental organizations, vegetable exporters and
consumers about the safety of vegetables produced from farms in Ghana. The human health and
environmental risks associated with the use of the river for irrigation in farming are numerous.
River exposure has been linked to viral, bacterial, and protozoan diseases such as salmonellosis,
shigellosis, cholera, giardiasis, amoebiasis, hepatitis A, viral enteritis, and other diarrheal
diseases (WHO 2006). Surveys in many markets in Ghana indicated that a greater percentage of
farm vegetables are contaminated with faecal coliforms and helminthic eggs (Affum et al., 2020;
Amoah et al., 2007; Farhadkhani et al., 2020; Keraita et al., 2007). The transfer of microbial
organisms from vegetables to the consumer becomes more serious because many of the
vegetables are consumed raw without any processing.

1.3 Justification
Protection of the environment against pollution is tantamount to development of a nation. With
reference to the menace caused by indiscriminate small-scale mining practices in some water
bodies in Ghana, such as the Akantansu and Sintim Rivers in the Asutifi North District of the
Brong Ahafo, and the Dunkwa-on-Offin River, in which the use of these water bodies for
domestic purposes may pose a potential health risk to consumers (Adiyah, 2014).

This study is timely as there has been a hue and cry all over Ghana about health risks associated
with the quality of the water used for urban vegetable irrigation. Many farmers are illiterates and
do not know much more about the risks involved in the use of rivers for irrigation. Raising
farmers’ awareness regarding the safe use of rivers and improving irrigation methods will reduce
related risks. This research is vital for the Bono Region in enforcing its by-laws on the use of
river for irrigation, indiscriminate disposal of liquid waste and open defecation. It can also
trigger reforms in regulatory agencies and institutions for effective monitoring of informal urban

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irrigation. The study will also contribute to the existing literature in academia as it focuses on
analyzing many physio-chemical and microbial parameters. The outcome of this paper will
highlight the need for improving irrigation practices in Ghana. The study therefore seeks to
assess the quality of water used by farmers for informal irrigation in the Bono Region of Ghana.
It is also to raise the awareness of farmers on the health risks associated with the use of untreated
river for irrigation. Raising the awareness of producers and consumers of the health risks
associated with the use of untreated polluted water for irrigation can provide an incentive for
change among producers, consumers and traders as well as safeguard the health of the nation.

1.4 Aim and Objectives

The research aims to assess the quality of the Tano River using a combination of water quality
and pollution indices.

Objectives

1. To determine the concentration levels of contaminants in the Tano River.

2. To evaluate the water quality of the Tano River using WQI AND CPI.

3. To identify the source of anthropogenic activities influencing pollution of the Tano River.

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 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Description of the study area
The study area “Tano River Basin” (Figure 1) is one of the major rivers in Ghana with much
socioeconomic importance. The river has been dammed at three separate locations (Tanoso,
Sefwi Wiawso, and Elubo) along the course of the river by the Ghana Water Company Limited
(GWCL) for drinking water treatment and distribution to over 2 million people in some
communities within the Bono and Bono East and Ahafo Regions (Obiri et al., 2021). The Tano
River has a basin area of approximately 14,852 km 2 shared between Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire
(Akbarpour, 2018).

Figure 1: Map of Tano River Basin

The river is used for fishing, sand winning, irrigation and other interrelated commercial
activities and carry raw sewage and pollutants to the river. The river is influence by the incoming
tide from the bay of the inhabitants. Activities at the upstream countries and communities such as

5
dam construction and river diversion cause a significant reduction of the freshwater inflow
especially during the dry season. Accordingly, due to heavy rainfall and increased discharge
from upstream rivers during the wet season, excess water cannot be drained completely and
result in flooding (Nasirudeen et al., 2021)

2.2 Research design and Data Collection

2.2.1 Sampling and laboratory analysis Sampling
This proposal outlines the methodology for conducting sampling and laboratory analysis of water
within the Tano basin from May to June 2024. The sampling locations will be determined using
Garmin Etrex GPS to ensure accurate geo-satellite positioning. A total of 30 samples will be
collected from three distinct locations along the Tano River: upstream, midstream, and
downstream. The sampling process will adhere strictly to the acceptable protocol outlined by
Kesse (1985). Before sampling, the sampling bottles will be meticulously washed with detergent,
followed by rinsing with 10% hydrochloric acid and double-distilled water. Additionally, the
bottles will be rinsed with water from the sampling sites to minimize any potential cross-
contaminations. To preserve the samples during transportation, they will be maintained at
approximately 4°C by storing them in ice cubes within ice chests. Subsequently, the samples will
be transported to the laboratory for comprehensive analysis.

2.2.2 Laboratory analysis

Methods to be use in the laboratory for the determination of all the water quality parameters are
as summarized below (APHA 1998).

1. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): Modified

Winkler's method will be employed for determination.

2. Nutrient Contents:

 Orthophosphate (PO4-P): Ammonium molybdate and ascorbic acid method will

be utilized.

 Ammonia–Nitrogen (NH4-N): Indo-phenol blue method will be employed.

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  Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N): Hydrazine reduction followed by diazotization to form
an azo-dye, which will be measured calorimetrically.

 Nitrite-Nitrogen (NO2-N): The N-(1-naphthyl) ethylene diamine dihydrochloride

method will be used.

 Sulphates (SO4): Determined through the barium chloride method.

3. Calculation of Magnesium (Mg) Concentration: It will be calculated using the formula

(total hardness–calcium hardness) × 0.244.

4. Chloride (Cl) Determination: The argentometric method will be employed.

5. Heavy Metals Determination: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry will be utilized.

6. Turbidity, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS):

 Turbidity will be measured using a DRT 100B Turbidimeter.

 Total Suspended Solids (TSS) will be determined through membrane filtration

(glass fibre type C) method, dried at 105°C.

7. pH, Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Determination will be
done using a multi-parameter probe but the equipment will be calibrated before use.

2.3 Method of Data Analysis

The data obtained from laboratory analysis will be subjected to various statistical techniques
including mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis analysis. Standardized kurtosis and
skewness analyses will be conducted to evaluate if the sample conforms to normal distributions.
Statistical values falling outside the range of -2 to +2 will be considered as significantly
departing from normality. All statistical analyses will be performed for each variable in the
original dataset using SPSS version 26. This will enable a comprehensive understanding of the
distribution and characteristics of the data, aiding in the interpretation of water quality
parameters.

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2.4 Water quality index analysis
Water Quality Index (WQI) will serve as a singular dimensionless metric ranging from 0 to 100,
derived from specific water quality parameters to provide an overall assessment of water body
quality (Kankal et al., 2012). This index offers insight into the extent to which human activities
impact natural water quality (WRC, 2003).

To calculate the WQI, selected water quality parameters, initially in diverse units, will be
transformed into a common unitless scale through rating curves (WRC, 2003; Sutadian et al.,
2016). These curves convert parameter values to a scale of 0–100. Subsequently, weights
reflecting the relative significance of each parameter and their influence on the final index value
will be assigned (Darko et al., 2013; Phillip et al., 2020; Pintilie & Arseni, 2019). Aggregation of
these sub-indices via a mathematical function yields the final WQI value (Najafzadeh et al.,
2021). Alternatively, sub-index values can be tabulated for practical application, with scores
retrieved from the rating table (Abdul-Razak et al., 2010).

For this study, the Water Resources Commission of Ghana has predetermined weights for ten
key water quality parameters: dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD),
ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), E. coli, pH, nitrate as nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphate as
phosphorus (PO4-P), total suspended solids (TSS), conductivity, and temperature (WRC, 2003).
These parameters and their respective weights were used in the calculation of the WQI.

The WQI equation employed is as follows:

(∑ )
n 2
1
WQI¿ x qiwi ;
100 i=1

Where:

 𝑞𝑖 = quality rating of the 𝑖ith parameter

 wi = relative weight of the 𝑖ith parameter

 n = total number of parameters

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To ensure quality assurance, blank samples and laboratory control standard solutions were
analyzed alongside all samples. Results were accepted only if the recoveries of control standard
solutions fell within ± 5% of their respective concentrations; otherwise, batch analysis was
repeated. Additionally, for every batch of five samples, one duplicate sample was analyzed.

For BOD analysis, samples were incubated in an incubator maintained at 20 ± 1 °C.

The WQI classification system in Ghana categorizes water quality into four classes: Class I
(Good); Class II (Fairly good); Class III (Poor) and Class IV (Grossly polluted)

Where: Index > 80: Class I (Good); Index: 50–80: Class II (Fairly good); Index: 25–50: Class III
(Poor) and Index < 25: Class IV (Grossly polluted) (WRC, 2003).

2.5 Workplan, Budget and Timeline

Below is the tentative budget for the study;
Budget Item Cost (GHS)
Equipment and Materials
Garmin Etrex GPS 1,500
Sampling bottles, detergent, acid, ice chests 1,000
Laboratory equipment and chemicals 3,000
Multi-parameter probe 1,500
Transportation
Fuel and maintenance for field trips 3,000
Personnel
Field assistants 1,000
Total Budget 10,000

2.6 Proposal Timeline or Workplan

Phase Timeline

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Preparation Phase May 2024
Procure equipment and materials
Arrange transportation logistics
Train field assistants on sampling protocols
Field Sampling May to June
2024
Utilize Garmin Etrex GPS for precise location identification
Collect 30 water samples from upstream, midstream, and downstream locations along
the Tano River
Laboratory Analysis June 2024
Perform water quality analysis using specified methods
Conduct statistical analyses using SPSS version 26
WQI Calculation June 2024
Apply predetermined weights to calculate Water Quality Index (WQI)
Classify water quality based on WQI values
Reporting and Presentation June 2024
Compile findings into comprehensive report
Prepare presentation summarizing study results and conclusions

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