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About Stop Galamsey

The Stop Galamsey project approaches not only the issue of illegal mining from a holistic perspective, addressing not only the problems galamsey causes, but also approaches comprehensively to ensure that solutions tackle the root causes of the issue while fostering long-term development and environmental stewardship.

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How It Works

Key Concepts:

  • Adsorption and absorption are two different processes, and although they sound similar, they have distinct meanings, especially in the context of water treatment technologies like activated carbon filtration.
    • Adsorption: Adsorption is the process by which molecules of a substance (like contaminants in water) adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid material. In water filtration, adsorption happens when pollutants stick to the surface of activated carbon. The key point is that the contaminants only collect on the surface of the material, not inside it.
          • Example in Water Treatment: When water passes through an activated carbon filter, organic compounds, chlorine, and some heavy metals adsorb onto the surface of the carbon particles.
          • Nature of the Process: Adsorption is a surface phenomenon, meaning that only the surface area of the adsorbent (like activated carbon) is used for trapping contaminants. This is why activated carbon is treated to have a high surface area—it increases its ability to adsorb more contaminants.
          • Process: Molecules are attracted to and held on the surface by weak forces (van der Waals forces or chemical bonds).
        • Activated Carbon Structure: Activated carbon has millions of tiny pores that give it a vast surface area. A single gram of activated carbon can have a surface area of up to 2,000 square meters. This high surface area allows it to adsorb large amounts of pollutants.
        • Target Contaminants: Activated carbon is particularly effective at removing organic compounds (such as volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and herbicides), chlorine, and certain heavy metals like lead, copper, and mercury. It can also improve the taste and odor of water by removing impurities that cause unpleasant smells or flavors.
  • Absorption: Absorption, on the other hand, occurs when a substance is taken up by the volume of another material, rather than just sticking to its surface. In this process, the substance being absorbed actually penetrates and becomes incorporated into the material’s structure, much like how a sponge absorbs water.
    • Example in Everyday Life: Think of a sponge soaking up water—that’s absorption. The water fills up the sponge’s internal structure, not just sticking to the outside.
    • Nature of the Process: Absorption is a bulk process, meaning that the substance (like a liquid) gets distributed throughout the volume of the absorbent (like a sponge).
    • Process: The absorbed substance penetrates the material and is evenly distributed within it.

 

Types of Activated Carbon Filters

  • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC):
    • Structure: Coarse particles of activated carbon.
    • Application: Used in water filtration systems where high flow rates are necessary. GAC is commonly used in large-scale water treatment plants and portable filtration units.
  • Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC):
    • Structure: Fine particles of activated carbon.
    • Application: Usually added directly to water to remove contaminants and then filtered out. PAC is effective in treating taste and odor issues in water but is not typically used in portable filtration units.
  • Carbon Blocks:
    • Structure: Compressed activated carbon, forming a solid block.
    • Application: Commonly used in home filtration devices, like water pitchers or faucet filters, to remove organic compounds and chlorine.

Removal of Contaminants

  • Organic Chemicals:
    • Example: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and pesticides.
    • Activated carbon is highly effective at adsorbing these organic chemicals, improving water taste and removing harmful toxins.
  • Chlorine and Chloramines:
    • Activated carbon can remove chlorine and chloramines (compounds used in water treatment to disinfect), making the water safer and more pleasant to drink.
  • Heavy Metals (to a limited extent):
    • Example: Mercury, lead, and copper, often found in areas affected by illegal mining like galamsey.
    • While activated carbon can adsorb some heavy metals, additional filtration methods (such as reverse osmosis or ion exchange) may be needed to effectively remove higher concentrations of metals.
  • Cyanide Compounds:
    • Cyanide, often used in small-scale gold mining, can also be partially removed by activated carbon filtration.
  • Taste and Odor Compounds:
    • Activated carbon is effective in removing substances that affect the taste and odor of water, such as sulfur compounds and dissolved organic matter.
  • Other Contaminants:
    • Pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceutical residues.

Filter Saturation and Maintenance

Activated carbon filters have a limited lifespan because the pores can become saturated with contaminants over time. Once the carbon is fully saturated, it loses its ability to adsorb more pollutants, and the filter needs to be replaced.

  • Signs of Saturation: A decline in water quality, bad taste, or odor may indicate that the activated carbon filter is no longer functioning effectively.
  • Maintenance: Regular filter replacement is essential to ensure continued effectiveness. The frequency of replacement depends on the concentration of contaminants and the volume of water being treated.

Combination with Other Technologies

Activated carbon filtration is often used as part of a multi-stage water treatment process. It works well in combination with other filtration methods, such as reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration, to provide more comprehensive treatment.

For example:

  • Pre-Treatment: Activated carbon can be used as a pre-treatment step to remove organic compounds and chlorine before water undergoes reverse osmosis. This helps protect the more delicate RO membranes from damage.
  • Post-Treatment: After reverse osmosis has removed dissolved salts and heavy metals, activated carbon may be used as a final stage to polish the water by removing any remaining organic compounds and improving its taste.

Advantages of Activated Carbon Filtration:

  1. Highly Effective for Organic Contaminants: Activated carbon is extremely effective in removing organic compounds, improving both the safety and taste of water.
  2. Low Cost: It’s one of the most affordable filtration options, making it accessible for a variety of uses, including large-scale water treatment and portable units.
  3. Easy Maintenance: Carbon filters are relatively easy to replace and maintain, making them ideal for portable systems like those used in rural or remote areas affected by galamsey.
  4. No Chemicals Needed: Activated carbon filtration does not require chemical additives, making it a more environmentally friendly solution compared to chemical treatments.

Limitations of Activated Carbon Filtration:

  1. Limited Effectiveness on Heavy Metals and Salts:
    • While activated carbon can remove some heavy metals, it’s not as effective as other filtration methods like reverse osmosis or ion exchange in removing dissolved metals and salts.
  2. Cannot Remove Microorganisms:
    • Activated carbon filters do not remove bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. If microbial contamination is a concern, a secondary disinfection process (such as UV treatment or chlorination) is needed.
  3. Requires Regular Replacement:
    • Activated carbon filters have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced regularly to maintain their effectiveness. Over time, the pores in the carbon become saturated with contaminants, reducing their ability to adsorb more impurities.
  4. Doesn’t Remove Inorganic Compounds (Nitrates, Fluoride):
    • Compounds like nitrates and fluoride are not adsorbed by activated carbon, so additional filtration systems are necessary to remove these contaminants.

Application in Galamsey-Affected Areas:

  • Removal of Mercury: In galamsey regions, mercury contamination is a significant problem due to its use in gold extraction. Activated carbon can help reduce the levels of mercury, although additional methods may be needed for complete removal.
  • Improving Drinking Water: Activated carbon filtration units can provide communities in galamsey-affected areas with clean, safe water, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of chronic exposure to mining pollutants.
  • Complementary to Other Filtration Methods: In mobile water filtration units, activated carbon is often combined with other filtration technologies like reverse osmosis and UV sterilization to provide comprehensive water treatment.
How It Works

Mobile Water Filtration Units work by using portable, compact filtration systems to treat contaminated water and make it safe for drinking and other uses. These units can be equipped with various filtration technologies depending on the contaminants in the water, such as heavy metals, chemicals, or biological agents. Here’s how the process typically works:

  1. Water Intake
    • Process: Contaminated water is drawn from the source (rivers, lakes, or groundwater) into the mobile filtration unit. The water intake system typically includes a pump to draw water into the unit.
    • Mobile Feature: These units are equipped with flexible hoses or pipes, which can be deployed in different locations, allowing them to access various water sources easily.
  2. Pre-filtration (Sediment Removal)
    • Process: The water first passes through a pre-filter that removes large particles, sediment, and debris. This is especially useful in areas affected by galamsey, where sediment and soil erosion increase water turbidity.
    • Technology Used: This stage typically involves sand filters or cartridge filters, which remove suspended solids, improving water clarity and protecting more delicate filtration systems downstream.
  3. Main Filtration and Purification
    • The main filtration stage targets specific contaminants, such as heavy metals (mercury, lead), chemicals (cyanide), and harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses).
    • Filtration Technologies Used:
      • Activated Carbon Filters: These remove organic pollutants, chemicals, and heavy metals. Activated carbon has a large surface area that adsorbs contaminants as water passes through it.
      • Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes dissolved solids, including heavy metals, nitrates, and salts. This is a highly effective method for treating water contaminated by galamsey.
      • UV Purification: In some mobile units, ultraviolet (UV) lamps are used to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the water. This is an added layer of safety to ensure the water is microbiologically safe.
      • Chemical Treatment: In some cases, chemical coagulants or precipitants may be added to bind heavy metals or other pollutants, making them easier to filter out.
  4. Post-treatment (Polishing Stage)
    • Process: After the main filtration, the water may pass through a final filter to ensure that all remaining particles or trace contaminants are removed.
    • Technology Used: This stage may use fine-particle filters or additional activated carbon to ensure the water is of the highest quality for consumption.
  5. Disinfection
    • Process: To ensure the water is free from pathogens, a disinfection stage is often included. This can involve:
      • Chlorination: Small amounts of chlorine are added to disinfect the water.
      • UV Light: If not already used in the main filtration, UV light can also be used to deactivate any remaining microorganisms.
    • Purpose: This ensures the water remains safe during storage and transport, especially in hot or tropical climates where bacteria can grow quickly.
  6. Water Storage or Distribution
    • Process: After filtration, the clean water is stored in onboard tanks or directly pumped into containers for distribution to the community.
    • Mobile Feature: Units can either have inbuilt water storage tanks or be connected to external tanks or taps for immediate use. These units can distribute water to multiple locations or store water for later use if needed.

Powering the Mobile Unit

  • Power Source: Mobile water filtration units often come with multiple power options, depending on the environment and location:
    • Solar Panels: Many units use solar energy, especially in remote areas without electricity.
    • Generators: Diesel or gas-powered generators can be used to power pumps and filtration systems.
    • Battery Systems: Some units are equipped with rechargeable batteries, providing temporary off-grid power.

Types of Mobile Water Filtration Units

  • Vehicle-mounted Units: These are built into trucks, vans, or trailers, allowing the entire system to be transported from one location to another. They are ideal for areas with poor infrastructure and can be moved quickly in case of emergencies.
  • Portable Units: Smaller, more lightweight units can be carried or towed to various locations. These are often more flexible and ideal for treating smaller amounts of water.
  • Containerized Systems: Some mobile filtration units are housed in shipping containers, which can be deployed by truck or even helicopter to reach remote areas. These systems are more permanent but still portable.

Here’s how they can help:

1. Immediate Access to Clean Water

  • Purpose: Mobile units provide an immediate source of clean drinking water to communities whose primary water sources have been contaminated by galamsey activities.
  • Benefit: They can be transported to remote areas and set up quickly, ensuring that people have access to safe water while long-term solutions like large-scale water treatment or environmental remediation are being developed.

2. On-the-go Water Treatment in Remote Areas

  • Purpose: Since many illegal mining sites are in remote or rural areas where infrastructure is limited, mobile water filtration units can bring essential filtration technology to these locations without the need for extensive installation.
  • Benefit: These units can operate in off-grid areas, often being solar-powered or equipped with generators, making them viable in places without electricity.

3. Flexibility in Treating Various Contaminants

  • Purpose: Mobile units can be equipped with various filtration technologies—such as reverse osmosis (RO), activated carbon, or ultraviolet (UV) purification—to address specific pollutants common in galamsey areas, such as heavy metals (mercury, lead), cyanide, and sediment.
  • Benefit: These units are adaptable and can be designed to target the specific contaminants found in a particular water source. For example, areas with mercury contamination from gold mining can use units with activated carbon filters or chemical precipitation systems.

4. Emergency and Short-term Solutions

  • Purpose: Mobile water filtration units can serve as an emergency response to sudden pollution events, such as a cyanide spill or a surge in sedimentation due to mining runoff.
  • Benefit: They provide a stopgap measure while long-term cleanup and restoration efforts are being planned. This is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of affected communities in the short term.

5. Cost-Effective for Small Communities

  • Purpose: These units can be more cost-effective than building permanent water treatment plants in every affected area, especially for small, dispersed communities.
  • Benefit: By rotating mobile units between several communities, water treatment can be provided without the high costs associated with constructing and maintaining permanent infrastructure in multiple locations.

6. Public Health Protection

  • Purpose: Reducing exposure to toxic contaminants from mining, such as mercury, cyanide, and suspended solids, can significantly decrease health risks.
  • Benefit: Clean drinking water from mobile filtration units helps prevent waterborne diseases and chronic health problems caused by long-term exposure to mining pollutants, protecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

7. Educational Tool for Local Communities

  • Purpose: Mobile units can also serve as educational tools to raise awareness in local communities about the importance of water treatment and the dangers of galamsey-related pollution.
  • Benefit: By demonstrating the filtration process, community members can better understand the impacts of water contamination and the importance of sustainable mining practices or alternatives.

8. Scalable and Replicable Model

  • Purpose: These units can be scaled up or down based on the needs of the community, and their success in one region can be replicated in other galamsey-affected areas.
  • Benefit: A mobile solution offers flexibility in deployment and can be part of a broader regional or national strategy to combat water pollution.

Example Use Case: Ghana’s Galamsey Areas

In regions like the Ashanti or Western regions of Ghana, where galamsey activities have heavily polluted rivers and streams, mobile water filtration units can:

  • Purify drinking water for nearby communities affected by mercury contamination in rivers like the Pra River.
  • Provide safe water in emergency situations when the pollution levels spike due to illegal mining activities.
  • Move between different villages, providing clean water on a rotational basis while long-term environmental cleanup is planned.
Mobile Water Filtration Units are a versatile, cost-effective, and immediate solution to address water pollution from galamsey in Ghana. They help mitigate the health risks associated with contaminated water, provide flexibility in remote and rural areas, and can complement broader efforts to restore ecosystems and enforce regulations around illegal mining.

Monitoring and Maintenance

  • Real-time Monitoring: Many modern mobile water filtration units are equipped with sensors that continuously monitor the water quality, ensuring that the filtration process is working correctly. These sensors can detect pH levels, turbidity, and the presence of contaminants.
  • Maintenance Needs: Regular maintenance includes replacing filters, cleaning membranes, and ensuring that the unit’s power system is functioning efficiently. Mobile units are typically designed to be low-maintenance to ensure continued operation in remote locations.