JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

Abstract: Zeolites A, X and Y were successfully synthesized … selective removal of cations by the different types of zeolites compared with anionic species. Keywords: heavy metals, removal efficiency, selectivity sequence, zeolites, characterization.

Abstract: Bottle ageing requires space … qualities much more similar to its corresponding bottle-aged sample. Keywords: Tomato wine, bottle-aged wine, ultrasound-treated wine, total flavonoid, DPPH scavenging activity.

Abstract: Ghana’s electricity sector … low-carbon, and reliable pathway for Ghana’s industrial and national energy transition. Keywords: hybrid energy system, synergy, sustainable energy, LCOE, HOMER, SMR, renewable energy.

Abstract: Abiotic stress conditions … validate and characterize key stress tolerance traits. Keywords: Hot water; Seed germination; Heat shock proteins; Heat tolerance; Heat tolerant gene.

Abstract: The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics … passive margin settings during the Late Ordovician. Keywords: Upper Ordovician, Sekondian Group, Ajua Shale, Elmina Sandstone, Petrography, Geochemistry, Provenance, Arkosic arenite, Sub-arkosic arenite.

Abstract: Groundwater recharge estimation … aligning agricultural cropping calendars with natural recharge cycles. Keywords: Groundwater recharge, Water table fluctuation method, Keta Strip, Coastal aquifer, Sustainable groundwater management.

Abstract: Abandoned mine tailings pose significant environmental risks … continuous groundwater protection and monitoring measures are required. Keywords: Acid mine drainage, column leaching test, acid-base accounting test, potential acid forming, heavy metals.

Abstract: The bottom-set gillnet fishery was studied along Ghana’s central coast to describe its distinctive characteristics over 18 months, from February 2017 to July 2018. Canoe sizes and the stretch mesh sizes of gears were measured to define the crafts and gears employed. Fishing operations were described through field observations. Fish catches were assessed to determine the species composition. The findings indicated a multispecies fishery with landings dominated by the spotted box crab Calappa rubroguttata at Apam and Egyaa No.1 (45.0% and 35.2% respectively), and the cassava croaker (20.9%) at Cape Coast. Bycatch was dominated by cnidarians (corals) (52.2%) and crustaceans (39.9%). The lengths of the canoes ranged from 6 m to 12 m LOA with a mean width of 1.48 ± 0.28 m, and mesh sizes were in the range of 7.6 cm to 15.2 cm. The common soak time in the fishery was between 18 hours and 24 hours. Loss of fishing gear during fishing, which contributes to ghost fishing, was common. To reduce negative ecological impacts, it was recommended that fisheries regulations on the use of set gillnets should be enforced. The possible occurrence of a coral garden off the Apam coast suggested by the findings should be further investigated. Keywords: Canoe size, mesh size, soak time, bycatch, ghost fishing, Ghanaian fisheries.

Abstract: This study analyzed the spatiotemporal variability and long-term trends of temperature and rainfall over 40 years (1983–2022) in the North Gondar zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Monthly climate data for Adiarkay, Debark, and Janamora districts were obtained from the NASA POWER database. To examine rainfall and temperature variability, descriptive statistics and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) were employed, while wet and dry conditions were assessed using the Standardized Anomaly Index (SAI). Trend detection and magnitude estimation were conducted using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator, respectively, at annual and seasonal time scales. The results reveal high variability in annual rainfall, with Adiarkay and Janamora receiving below-regional average precipitation and Debark exceeding it. The annual rainfall trend showed a statistically insignificant decrease in Adiarkay and Janamora but an increase in Debark. Seasonal analysis indicated significant variability, with extreme fluctuations during the spring season and a dominant contribution of the summer season to total rainfall. Temperature trends demonstrated statistically significant increases in maximum, minimum, and mean annual temperatures in most districts, with Janamora showing the strongest warming signals. The study underscores the influence of rising temperatures and fluctuating rainfall on the region’s rain-fed agriculture and food security. These climatic dynamics highlight the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate adverse socio-economic impacts and enhance community resilience. Keywords: Mann–Kendall, North Gondar zone, Temperature, Rainfall.

Abstract: Elevated ambient noise levels have a negative impact on human capital and the productivity of teachers. This study determined the levels of ambient noise in selected basic schools using the calibrated Sound Level Meter (SLM-814) and used a set of questionnaires to evaluate the perception of 276 full-time basic school teachers in the Old Tafo Municipality, Ghana, on the effects of noise on their productivity and workability from January to October 2023. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-square analysis, and the Ordinal regression analysis were performed on the data. The highest Weighted Equivalent Sound Pressure Level (LAeq) was 68.5 dBA, and the lowest was 55.7 dBA. All 20 selected basic schools recorded LAeq beyond the EPA and WHO threshold (55 dBA). Twenty-two (8%) of the teachers encountered a low effect on productivity. Two hundred and twenty (79.7%) experienced a moderate effect, while the remaining 34 (12.3%) experienced a high effect of noise on their productivity. The model fitting information from the ordinal regression analyses showed a Chi-square and p-value of 14.5 and 0.15, respectively, indicating that the regression model was statistically insignificant and the predictors could not improve the model. The Goodness-of-Fit had a Pearson’s Chi-square and p-value of 87.399 and 0.32, respectively, and suggested the model fit well. Nagelkerke’s R-squared was 0.071 and suggested that 7.1% of the variance in the impact of noise on teachers’ productivity was explained by the model. Holding other variables constant, teachers with 16–20 years of experience reduced the odds of the higher effect of noise on productivity (OR = 0.14 and p = 0.04). All other variables were statistically insignificant. Keywords: Noise, Productivity, Employees, Schools.