Comparative Remediation of Heavy Metals from Well Water in Tarkwa Nsaeme Gold Mining Communities in Ghana Using Synthetic Zeolites and Clay Canister Filters

This study focuses on removing hazardous heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead) from well water in Ghana's Tarkwa Nsaeme gold mining communities, where contamination stems from illegal mining. It compares the effectiveness of synthetic zeolites and clay canister filters as remediation tools. Results show that heavy metal levels exceeded safe limits, posing serious health risks. Both methods proved effective, with modified materials achieving the highest removal rates, particularly with optimized pH, contact time, and material mass. Clay treated with 0.1M NaOH performed best, removing up to 100% of cadmium and over 90% of other metals. The adsorption process for the zeolites and the clay followed chemisorptions and physosorption, respectively, which fit well with standard adsorption models. The study recommends hybrid filters combining clay and zeolite and further research on environmental factors to improve remediation efficiency. Background This research examines the environmental concerns surrounding gold mining activities in Ghana, focusing on the carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity of heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead. Objective of the Study To compare the effectiveness of synthetic zeolites and clay canister filters in removing heavy metals from well water samples in Gold mining communities in Tarkwa-Nsaeme in Ghana. Problem Statement Heavy metal contamination of well water in Tarkwa-Nsaeme gold mining communities in Ghana has become an issue of great concern. Well water is one of the major sources of water for drinking water and domestic usage, and it has resulted in adverse effects on the health of the individuals living in these communities.