Field studies of the Anyanui Estuary, Ghana, conducted as part of the Cross-cultural Experiential Ocean Research Program

The Cross-cultural Experiential Ocean Research Program (CEORP) is a National Science Foundation funded project focused on engaging undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds in ocean research focusing on fieldwork, cultural exchange, and international scientific collaboration with undergraduate students and faculty from the University of Ghana, Hampton University, and Oregon State University.  The CEORP program included a two-week field campaign in August 2023 in Ghana in which students developed and executed field sampling projects to study the Anyaniu River, a channel of the Volta Estuary system.  A description of the field projects and a summary of the findings are described in this presentation.  Projects focused on quantifying spatial and temporal variations in basic estuarine properties (e.g., salinity, temperature) and concentrations of several biogeochemical quantities (e.g., Ph, ammonia, phosphorus, copper and magnesium).  Additionally, the types and concentrations of microplastics within the estuary were quantified.  A goal of this research was to collect basic data toward understanding the impacts on the health of the estuary from mangrove cutting, fishing, and channel closures.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: James Lerczak, Oregon State University (jim.lerczak@oregonstate.edu)

Authors:

Gifty Asante, University of Ghana  (gasante042@st.ug.edu.gh)

Annika Bernhardt, Oregon State University  (bernhaan@oregonstate.edu)

Jerry Gbanyade, University of Ghana  (jgbanyade@st.ug.edu.gh)

Emmaline Miller, Oregon State University  (millemm2@oregonstate.edu)

Zuri Murph, Hampton University  (zuri.murph@my.hamptonu.edu)