Environmental noise pollution generated from industrial and transport activities in Ghana have received considerable attention from regulators and policy makers unlike rising noise levels in residential settings. This study measured ambient noise levels in four halls of residence in the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana to ascertain compliance with permissible limits. Questionnaires were also used to evaluate the possible non-auditory noise effects. The results indicate that the same sex halls (Adeyhe and Casford) were within the day and night permissible noise limit of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency of 55 dB and 50 dB respectively. However, the Oguaa and Valco Halls (mixed halls) were non-compliant. Noise generated within the functional units ranged from 30dB to 70dB, with Adehye Hall recording the lowest for both day (49dB) and night (45dB). Valco Hall recorded the highest noise level for both day and night: 66dB and 60dB respectively. Oguaa Hall, the largest on campus, had 60dB and 55dB for day and night. Casford Hall, the only male hall recorded 54dB and 48dB respectively for day and night readings. This is unexpected as most students consider Casford to be noisy. Most of the participants complained that the noise affects their studies and sleep in the halls, but surprisingly, majority of them (73%) were not of the view that reducing it could potentially make the halls more habitable. Association between halls of residence and annoyance levels was investigated. The P-Value (0.180) was greater than the alpha value (0.05). Consequently we failed to reject the null hypothesis and concluded that, there is no association between the halls of residence and level of irritation of students in the halls.

This study is aimed at producing biodiesel from Allanblackia parviflora seed oil as a new non-edible alternative resource. The amount of oil extracted from the seeds was approximately 49% and was mainly composed of linoleic acids (66.68). The Allanblackia parviflora methyl esters (APME) were prepared using NaOH as a homogeneous base-catalyst for the transesterification. The rate of conversion of the triglycerides to methyl esters was determined using Gas Chromatograph with an optimum yield of 97.1%. The conditions under which this maximum yield (97.1%) was obtained include methanol to Allanblackia parviflora oil ratio of 6:1, reaction temperature of 60 ℃, NaOH concentration of 1% and reaction time of 2 h. The properties of the methyl esters were comparable to fuel properties of conventional diesel using ASTM and European Union standards. The seeds of Allanblackia parviflora can be described as promising non-edible resource.

No abstract

No abstract

The impacts of small-scale mining on the vegetal cover as well the livelihoods of communities in mined areas in developing countries such as Ghana are far-reaching. This study assessed the impacts of small-scale mining on flora of conservation and economic significance through quantification of species richness, and species diversity. Mined and unmined sites were chosen in the Dunkwa East Municipality of Ghana. Five belt transects each (200m × 200m) were constructed in both sites. Each belt transect was divided into 100 quadrats (20m × 20m) and plant species in each of the quadrat were identified in the field and or the herbarium of the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast. One hundred and fifty seven species distributed in 140 genera and 54 families were identified in the mined area whilst the 209 species identified in the unmined area were in 185 genera and 73 families. Plant families Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae and Asteraceae were more diverse whilst Asteraceae, Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae were dominant in the unmined area. In the mined area, however, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Asteraceae were more diverse. Pteridium aquilinum, Tridax procumbens and Waltheria indica in the unmined area and Chromolaena odorata, Sporobolus pyramidalis and Euphorbia hirta in the mined area were the dominant species. Small-scale miming activities have caused reduction in species diversity, richness and economic and commercial values in the area. Higher disturbance of the flora has resulted in more secondary species in the mined area. Restoration is required in the study area.