Effects of small-scale gold mining on the environment have been documented for many years.

High levels of mud make water bodies unusable for both humans and animals.

Scientists have found considerable amounts of arsenic, aluminum and mercury in the Bonsa River which runs through communities in the Western Region.

Findings of the study published in the Journal of Environmental Earth Sciences suggest aluminum levels beyond safety limits.

The report however says arsenic and mercury contamination is below World Health Organization acceptable standards.

The level of mercury in the surface water exceeded reported values from rivers in Africa, Asia and South America.

The researchers are therefore worried long-term exposure could pose serious health risk to people living along the river.

“Any of these pollutants can result in death, so you don’t want them in your body,” says a lead researcher at the Chemistry Department of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr Godfred Darko.

Long-term exposure to arsenic, for instance, can cause thickening of the skin and diseases, among others.

The study team which conducted the exercise between May and June 2013, collected samples in six communities in the Bonsa River catchment area.

Interestingly, they found 18 times more of mercury levels than in an earlier investigation.

Mercury poisoning has been found to cause, poor coordination, numbness in the hands and feet.

Other health risks include: memory loss, troubled speaking, hearing or seeing.

Researchers recommend immediate removal or neutralization of mercury from the river.