Technological breakthrough: MIIF, UMaT collaborate to clean polluted water bodies

The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) are set to launch an initiative to rapidly clean rivers polluted by illegal mining.

To be known as “Operation Clean the Water Bodies”, the technological breakthrough for the exercise to reduce the turbidity and metal load of water from two rivers was developed by UMaT with funding from MIIF, which will also finance its implementation.

How it works

The technology pathway involves the application of several organic additives, such as moringa, biowaste and high molecular weight surface-active agents to reduce the turbidity and metal ion concentration in water.

In addition, inorganic surface-active agents were also used in pilots on the Pra and Bromo rivers, both in the Western Region. 

After adding some amounts of the additives, the suspended solids settled and the turbidity reduced below the World Health Organisation (WHO) maximum allowable concentrations.

MIIF and UMaT report that the pilot phase of the initiative had already yielded remarkable outcomes in two heavily impacted rivers — River Pra and River Bromo — signifying the start of a national campaign to reclaim contaminated water bodies.

For instance, when piloted on the River Pra at Beposo in the Western Region, the technology helped to improve the turbidity from 3,000 NTU to just 0.5 NTU;

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) decreased from 450 mg/L to 25 mg/L, with lead contamination dropping from 0.51 mg/L to 0.01 mg/L, significantly below WHO standards.

With the River Bromo at Nkroful where in-situ tests were conducted, turbidity improved from 2,390 NTU to 13 NTU; TSS reduced from 13,400 parts per million (ppm) to less than 0.1 ppm, and apparent colour improved dramatically from 79,738 ppm to 253 ppm.

Cleaner water

MIIF and UMaT in a statement said the outcomes did not only highlight the initiative’s success but also provided a framework for rolling out “Operation Clean the Water Bodies” nationwide, ensuring cleaner water for communities and ecosystems affected by galamsey.

They said the innovative partnership was to directly combat the destructive effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana’s vital water resources.

The Vice-Chancellor of UMaT and Deputy Chairman of the project steering team, Prof. Richard K. Amankwah, expressed his enthusiasm for the results.

“The use of eco-friendly solutions has delivered exceptional outcomes. This collaboration with MIIF marks a key engineering milestone in our mission to restore Ghana’s rivers and ensure their sustainability for future generations,” he stated.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, emphasised the project’s significance for the nation.

“Clean water is vital to Ghana’s health and prosperity. MIIF is proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with the Fund’s commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainable growth. The long-term success of this operation, however, hinges on a complete stop to illegal mining in our water bodies,” he added.

The Chairman of MIIF, Professor Douglas Boateng, who would also serve as the Interim Chairman of “Operation Clean the Water Bodies”, highlighted the urgent need for collective action.

“We created this problem and only through collective effort can we fix it. The damage is vast, but with focused engineering initiatives, we can restore our rivers and prevent further harm,” he stated.

Prof. Boateng added that the initiative was not only about cleaning our water bodies but also about empowering communities to take ownership of their environmental stewardship, saying “together, we can build a future where our natural resources are preserved and cherished.”

“Success in this endeavour will require cooperation among all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies and civil society. We must unite to reclaim our rivers and secure a healthier environment for generations to come,” the Chairman of MIIF added. 

Turning point

MIIF and UMaT pointed out that Operation Clean the Water Bodies marked a turning point in Ghana’s battle against galamsey pollution, providing a long-term and sustainable solution to one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

“The long-term operational success of Operation Clean the Water, however, rests on a complete halt to illegal mining in Ghana’s water bodies,” the two said in a statement.