ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS DURING RUBBER PROCESSING IN GHANA, A RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
ABSTRACT
The main objective of this dissertation was to analysis, reduce and control the environ-mental problems occurs during rubber processes at Ghana Rubber Estate Limited. The work was carried out with both Qualitative and Quantitative Research. The problem of the thesis was a truly generic and unique problem. The processing and production of the company makes the problem generic and unique in the country. The problem had effects on the ecosystem and human as well.
The qualitative analysis of the thesis was done by interviews, discussion and observa-tions. The information gathered, justify the environmental condition of the district. The quantitative research based on data retrieved from the health centers and the question-naires distributed to know the general opinions of Ghana Rubber Estate Limited Workers and Ahanta West District. This dissertation outlined the toxic chemicals used in Natural Rubber Processing and the control of such chemicals.
The thesis analysis the environmental threats during rubber processing as follows; Water pollution- The activities of Coagulation and Equipment Maintenances Land Pollution- Through Rubber Tapping and Packaging Air Pollution- Diseases and Pest Control.
The Result of the work found out that the environment is polluted during an increase of rubber production in the area due to the suddenly decreased of air bone and respiratory diseases when the company production decreased.
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
In this millennium the use of rubber has become versatile and it has been increase in volume sales in the Engineering firms either the manufacturing or production sectors as well as Business industries. This has result in expansion and increase in numbers of Plastics and Rubber manufacturing companies and factories in World. The idea of Plas-tics or Rubber invention is moving at faster rate than metallurgy and paper Technology and it is gradually diminishing usage of metallic product and also serving as a substitute and alternatives as the use of paper products. The availability of rubber raw material is rating good as compare that of metals. These factors are encouraging individuals or people to patronize in rubber production activities.
There are about six varieties of natural rubber. The species depends on the ecological factors of the area for growth. The varieties are as follows:
- Para Rubber Tree
- Gutta Percha
- Rubber fig
- Panama Rubber Tree
- Common Dandelion
- Hevea brasiliensis
The Hevea brasiliensis is a type of rubber tree produced for commercial purposes and well known in the Natural Rubber Industry.
The natural rubber tree, which is scientifically called Hevea brasiliensis, cannot pro-duce any finite engineering material without undergoing processing. The processing of the rubber will passes through some production phases and stages. The Production pro-cesses will have impact on the environment.
