The influence of the Diamond Cement (DIACEM) factory at Akporkploe, Volta
Region of Ghana on groundwater quality within the environs of the factory was
investigated. During the study, groundwater samples were collected from six drinking water
supply wells in the east, north-east, north and north-west directions of the cement facility.
Quality parameters including temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity and TDS were measures
in-situ and XRF analysis was used in the measurement of some heavy metals (As, Cr, Ni and
Pb). The study detected that parameters including temperature, salinity, alkalinity and
nutrients fell below the WHO permissible level for drinking water. However, some
parameters like pH, conductivity, turbidity and TDS adversely deviated from the
WHO recommended standards. The high TDS and conductivity levels detected is an
indication of high salt content which was attributed to cement dust intrusion. Since,
the inhabitants of the study area depends heavily on these wells for drinking and other
domestic uses, human health risk assessment studies was also carried out in respect of
the heavy metals on the water samples. Apart from arsenic, all the concentrations of
the other metals were above stipulated levels specified by the WHO. No noncarcinogenic
effects were detected regarding the use of the water from ingestion and
dermal contact pathways point of view. Aggregate situation regarding ingestion and
dermal contact specified that cancer risk due to the use of the groundwater is possible.
Based on these findings the study recommended among others that health authorities
should have the groundwater treated before public use.