David Azanu

Environmental Science

About

David Azanu, PhD, is a seasoned academic specializing in environmental-analytical chemistry with a career spanning over a decade. Currently a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he has previously held roles at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), including Senior Lecturer and Head of Department for Central Instrumentation and Laboratory Services.Dr. Azanu's academic credentials include a PhD and MSc in Analytical Chemistry, both from KNUST, and a BSc in Chemistry. His research interests focus on environmental toxicology, particularly the impact of emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics, and the development of advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies. He has received notable grants, including the KREF Clean Manure Project and FSPI NYANSAPO 2022-32 Project.With a strong publication record, his work has appeared in reputable journals, addressing issues like health risks from pollutants and innovative adsorption techniques. Dr. Azanu has also contributed significantly to the academic community through supervision of doctoral and master's students and service on various professional committees. His leadership extends to roles in national and international scientific communities, including as an external examiner and journal reviewer.

Research Summary

(inferred from publications by AI)

The researcher's overall research focus is on the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and their associated pollutants in various systems. They examine how these substances affect biological systems through uptake by organisms, distribution of chemicals through aquatic ecosystems, and contamination risks across different scenarios. Their work also delves into heavy metal distribution, radiation effects, food safety practices, and waste management techniques such as sugarcane processing and recycling of medications. Additionally, the researcher investigates biological processes like fish health issues, animal-related diseases, and microplastic distribution in the environment. This comprehensive approach aims to understand and mitigate environmental hazards associated with pharmaceuticals and water pollution across diverse systems.

Research Themes

All (31 Papers)

Physical Sciences (23 Papers)

Health Sciences (4 Papers)

Life Sciences (4 Papers)

All Papers

Occurrence and risk assessment of antibiotics in water and lettuce in Ghana(2017)

Uptake of antibiotics from irrigation water by plants(2016)

Prevalence of Pharmaceuticals in Surface Water Samples in Ghana(2021)

Risk Assessment of Pharmaceutical Contaminants in Pharmaceutical Wastewater(2024)

Environmental Risk Assessment of Analgesics and Antibiotics in Effluents from Three Selected Hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana(2024)

Acid‐Activated Biochar for Efficient Elimination of Amoxicillin From Wastewater(2024)

Antibiotics in the Ghanaian Environment(2023)

Antibiotic Uptake by Plant Model(2020)

Occurrence and Ecological Risk of Pharmaceutical Compounds in Water Samples From Obuasi Metropolis of Ghana(2024)

Impact of Antibiotic Residues in Poultry Waste as Manure on Environmental Health and Bacterial Resistant Genes(2025)

Accumulation of toxic metals in fish raised from sewage-fed aquaculture and estimated health risks associated with their consumption(2016)

Simple metal model for predicting uptake and chemical processes in sewage-fed aquaculture ecosystem(2015)

Sorption of inorganic mercury on soils from Ankobra basin in the south - western part of Ghana(2014)

Synthesis and assessment of a hydrophobically associating heteropolymer in water-based mud(2020)

Assessment of sugarcane grown in wetlands polluted with wastewater(2018)

Chemistry of natural waters and its relation to Buruli ulcer in Ghana(2015)

Bioaccumulation Factor and Health Hazards of Heavy Metals in Taro in the Atiwa East Municipality, Ghana(2025)

Integrated assessment of heavy metal contamination and health risks in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables along the Dankran River, Bekwai Municipality, Ghana(2025)

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL LEAD, COPPER, ZINC AND CADMIUM IN SOILS ALONG THE HIGHWAY FROM TAFO TO ABOASO IN KUMASI IN THE ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA(2016)

Health Risk Assessment of Sugarcane Grown in an Area under the Influence of Hospital Wastewater(2021)

Natural radioactivity and heavy metal distribution in reservoirs in Ghana(2017)

Relationship Between Physicochemical Parameters and Risk of Analgesics and Antibiotics of Effluents From Three Selected Hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana(2025)

The role of gamma irradiation and storage at 28 ± 2 °C on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium in sun-dried Legon-18 pepper (Capsicum annuum) powder(2019)

Street Sugar Cane Vendors Practices, Metals and Microbial Levels of Sugar Cane Sold In Kumasi, Ghana(2015)

Microbiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Some Locally Produced Soft Drinks and Beverages Sold in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana(2021)

Optimizing Composite Microplastics for Antibiotics Removal in Water: An Eco-Friendly Solution(2023)

Optimizing composite microplastics for antibiotics removal in water: An eco-friendly solution(2025)

The Effect of Storage Time on the Levels of Phthalates in Extemporaneous Preparations in Ghana(2024)

A Review on Occurrence, Risk Assessment and Removal of Pharmaceuticals in Hospital Effluents(2025)

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Wastewater at A Polyethylene Bag Manufacturing Company in Bekwai Municipality, Ghana(2024)

Investigating Household Water Quality Concerns in Kumasi, Ghana: Health Risks and Potential Implications: A Case Study(2025)

Collaboration Network

9fa4b536-219b-4d81-9101-c293a9c4631e

Research Collaboration Map

Collaboration Frequency

Less

About This Profile

This profile is generated from publicly available publication metadata and is intended for research discovery purposes. Themes, summaries, and trajectories are inferred computationally and may not capture the full scope of the lecturer's work. For authoritative information, please refer to the official KNUST profile.