Browsing by Author "Ekosse, G."
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Ekosse, G.; van den Heever, D.J.; de Jager, L.; Totolo, O. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/mineng, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed at chemically and mineralogically characterizing whole particulate air matter (PAM) occurring at the Selebi Phikwe nickel–copper (Ni–Cu) area in Botswana, and postulating its possible environmental implications.Heavy metals concentrations in PAM samples around the Selebi Phikwe Ni–Cu plant were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and the mineral phases identified by X-ray powder diffraction technique.The particles consisted of quartz, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, albite and djurleite.Concentration levels of heavy metals contained in PAM samples could be related to mineral phases present.Quite significantly is the occurrence of djurleite, which has not been found in both the orebody and surrounding soils.Djurleite polymorphs formed from secondary mineralization of chalcocite and the gases H2S and SO2 released from concentration/smelting processes.Possible environmental chemistry of the whole PAM based on its mineralogy at Selebi Phikwe area is discussed. Description: Technical Note URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/545 Files in this item: 1
Ekosse2004Environmental Chemistry1.pdf (511.2Kb) -
Ekosse, G.; Jager, L.; Van den Heever, D.J. (African Forum of Health Sciences http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajhs/article/view/30803/23134, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This study determines the prevalence of types of sicknesses and diseases affecting patients vising health service facilities and the available health services within the Selebi Phikwe Ni-Cu area, Botswana.Through the administration of the questionnaires and structured questions, attempts were made to establish and verify the existing human health problems at the study area by focusing on respiratory tract related symptoms of sicknesses and diseases.With the aid of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), interpreted results from respondents indicated that all the health service providers served patients suffering from headaches, persistent coughing, chest pains, lower abdominal pains, pain when passing out urine, genital discharge and diarrhea.Seventy one percent of the health service providers indicated that their patients who suffered from recent loss of body weight, and another 86 % pointed out that their patients had influenza/common cold. Other health complaints reported included unusual spitting, shortness of breath, palpitations, neausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Moreover the health service providers indicated that they had patients who suffered from significant illnesses of which some passed away. However, if they are lacking facilities, patients are referred to bigger health service providers in the country. The findings of the study do not general depict demarcating differnces of health status of residents of the study area to those of the control site. A need therefore for further investigations to be conducted to establish relations of mining activities to human health at Selebi Phikwe is called for. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/425 Files in this item: 1
Ekosse_AJHS_2005.pdf (1.623Mb) -
Ekosse, G.; De Jager, L.; Van den Heever, D.J. (AJOL http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajhs/article/view/30799/23130, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed at establishing occurrences of chest pains and frequent coughing among different classes of residents within Selibe Phikwe, Botswana where there are on going nickel-copper mining and smelting activities. Through the administration of questionnaires and structured question to 600 individuals, 7 health service providers, 200 business enterprises, and 30 educational institutions, attempts were made to establish and verify the existing human health status at Selebi Phikwe by focusing on chest pains and frequent coughing which are considered to be some of the respiratory tract related symptoms of sicknesses and diseases. With the aid of statistical package of social sciences (SPSS), interpreted results from respondents indicated that 33% of the individuals complained of persistent chest pains, and 27% of educational institutions, 45% business enterprises, and all health service providers had learners, workers, and patients who complained of chest pains. Furthermore, 49% of the individuals complained of persistent frequent coughing; and 70% of educational institutions, 45% business interprises, and all health service providers had learners, workers, and patients who complained of frequent coughing. According to study sites, respondents living in sites closest to the mine and smelter/concentrator plant reported a higher incidence of chest pains and frequent coughing, compared to those living in other parts of the study area. Residents associated fumes and dust from mining activities to the frequent coughing and persistent chest pains, which could be symptoms of respiratory tract diseases. This baseline investigation calls for further studies to establish relations of mining activities to human health at Selebi Phikwe. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/379 Files in this item: 1
Ekosse_AJHS_2005.pdf (2.243Mb)
Now showing items 1-3 of 3