The biological impact of heavy metals pollution from mining communities in Ghana : a review with a comparative analysis to Canada

Abstract

In this critical review, the biological impact of heavy metals pollution from mining communities in Ghana is examined and compared to that of Canada. Ghana faces serious health problems, such as neurological disorders and cancers, because of the high levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) brought about by artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Similarly, mining operations in Canada lead to large-scale contamination, yet the effects are lessened to some extent by sophisticated technologies and more stringent regulations. Moreover, both Ghana and Canada suffer from ecological issues, including water pollution and soil degradation, that disrupt indigenous flora and fauna. Yet, there are still differences identified between these two countries, which are mainly brought about by different environmental conditions, regulatory systems, and mining practices. This critical review thus explores the pressing need to implement more rigid regulations and better waste management in Ghana. It also discusses the urgency of resolving Canada’s legacy pollution issue. Future studies must therefore address innovative remediation procedures and sustainable mining methods to alleviate heavy metals pollution in both Ghana and Canada.