DETERMINATION OF FREE CYANIDE AND TOTAL CYANIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND WATERS IN BOGOSO AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS IN GHANA

Concentrations of free cyanide and total cyanide in water samples in Bogoso and its surrounding areas in Ghana have been measured in this study. Concentrations of free cyanide and total cyanide were found to be above the maximum permissible discharge limit of effluent from mining companies into natural waters set by Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana (GEPA). A comparison of the results obtained in this study with permissible levels set by US Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization reveals that surface waters in the study areas are highly polluted with cyanide and it's not safe for human consumptions. This means that, the resident in and around Bogoso are at risk. KEY WORDS: Free cyanide, Total cyanide, River Bogo, River Aprepre (River Dumasi), River Ankobra Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2007, 21(2), 213-220.