Illegal Mining 'Galamsey' pollutants: Taking control with the power of plants especially coriander or cilantro

The ongoing illegal mining activities in Ghana have set loose many pollutants into the environment which are associated with several short- to long-term impacts. While the illegal activities have no stoppage in sight let alone starting restorative and remediation activities, in your own small way, you can preserve lives as well as the environment through the power of plants.

Enough has been said about the dangers of illegal mining and it is time we talked about what we need to do or do in our own small way to protect ourselves and the immediate environment while in the run collectively creating more safe zones.

Plants not only treat water, soil, and the air external to us, but those edible ones could be consumed to detoxify the body from these toxic chemicals being organic and inorganic in nature. Depending on the type of toxins or pollutants, their concentration, where found either in water, soil and/or air, different plants - shrub, herbs, trees, etc. with the different root systems and specific pollutants absorptive rates and capacities could be used.

The root serves to absorb the toxic into plant itself to keep them and/or break them down into harmless products. The absorbed toxins, especially heavy metals, require that the plants at some point be harvested or cut down, dried, burned or incinerated and then the ashes containing the toxins mixed with binding agent to prevent them from leaching such concrete for use for blocks or safe disposal. These plants, apart from absorbing the toxins into themselves, also harbor around their roots different microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi that break down some of the toxins into harmless products without being absorbed by the plant.

Using plants to absorb and remove pollutants is known as phytoremediation, a special type of bioremediation. Additionally, bioremediation includes the use of microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and fungi to break down contaminants. It is important to note that different plants have different toxins absorptive rates and capacities, and it is this that determines when to harvest or cut them, dry, burn, and maximize the ashes. Hence, steps need to be taken not to eat from these trees, especially during and after removing heavy metals while effectively managing the ashes for keeps or use not to inhale them or get them airborne.

Of interest here is the Coriandrum sativum plant which is an herb known as either coriander or cilantro which all parts are edible, depending on location. In the US, the leaves and stems are known as cilantro, while the dried seeds as coriander. Internationally, the leaves and stems are all known as coriander, while their dried seeds as coriander seeds. Note that the roots are used also in cooking in some parts of the world. Coriandrum sativum is an annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family.

Coriander is well-known for handling heavy metals (inorganic) and volatile organic compounds (VOC, organic) and has the power to remove heavy metals including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) from polluted waters and soils as well as VOC from the air. Off all it’s being edible provides the opportunity to detoxify the human body of these heavy metals and others.

To add a little skin to Coriander or Cilantro heavy metal remediation properties; it does so by the processes of (1) phytoextraction where it absorbs the heavy metals from soil and water, (2) phytostabilization where it immobilizes or holds these heavy metals, reducing their availability to spread and (3) antioxidant properties which neutralize oxidative stress caused by heavy metals when consumed.

Plants of similar characteristics for heavy metal remediation available in Ghana include Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Basil (Ocimum basilicum, locally known as “Akoko Mesa”) and Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides).

Others to benefit from Cilantro/Coriander-based products for heavy metal detox include their extract or supplements, infused water, teas, and probiotics.

Potential impact derived from Coriander or Cilantro plant is the reduced heavy metal toxicity in humans and wildlife, improved soil and water quality, enhanced ecosystem health, increased food security and economic benefits through sustainable agriculture. The good news is Coriander or Cilantro grows easily and fast, has high biomass production, edible and medicinal uses and is low cost.

It is important to know the origin of your Coriander or Cilantro being edible and has pollutants removal characteristics to prevent eating heavy metal laden Coriander or Cilantro. The good news is, they grow easily, and fast means one can control its origin in a short time by planting it yourself in a known garden or pot with known soil for consumption’s sake.

Coriander or Cilantro frequency of consumption depends on individual health goals, dietary needs, and cultural practices. The general recommendations are for (1) traditional medicine: 1-2 tablespoons (fresh) or 1 teaspoon (dried) daily, (2) culinary use: 1/4 cup (fresh) or 1 tablespoon (dried) per meal, 2-3 times a week and health benefits: 1-2 cups (fresh) or 2-3 tablespoons (dried) weekly.

For specific health benefits such as (1) digestive health: 1-2 tablespoons (fresh) daily, (2) antioxidant intake: 1 cup (fresh) or 2 tablespoons (dried) weekly and (3) anti-Inflammatory effects: 2-3 cups (fresh) or 3-4 tablespoons (dried) weekly.

Incorporating cilantro into your diet include (1) add fresh cilantro to salads, salsa - made of chopped tomatoes, onions, chiles, cilantro and seasonings, with the addition of lime juice, and smoothies, (2) use dried cilantro in soups, stews, and curries, (3) make cilantro tea by soaking fresh leaves in hot water and (4) add cilantro to homemade chutneys (made of fruits, vegetables, species, sugar and vinegar) and sauces.

Precautions on cilantro includes (1) allergic reactions in some people: start with small amounts and monitor for signs of allergy, (2) pregnancy/breastfeeding: consult a healthcare professional for guidance and (3) medication interactions: cilantro may interact with certain medications; consult a healthcare professional.

By exploring the power of plants, we can work together towards mitigating some of the dire issues associated with global heavy metal and organic pollution. It is worth noting that other means to complement phytoremediation restoration are physical and chemical means to assist hastening the clean-up process which investigating green mineral processing is necessary.

Many have proposed galamsey stoppage and leaving the affected soil, water, and air to naturally self-heal - this approach could take forever. Hence, conscious efforts requiring a lot of processes, experts, and financial commitments, to name a few, are important to drive quicker healing and restoration process. Obviously the galamsey must stop. Then, thorough analyses and evaluations done to determine the pollutant types and concentrations since the different ores attracted different extraction methods, as well as where found i.e., water, soil, air to prompt the different and combination treatments methods – in-situ and ex-situ.

Moreover, for bioremediation new enhanced and targeted microorganisms (including fungi, algae bacteria) and plants are required. Chemically include oxidation, adsorption, ion exchange, and precipitation to convert some pollutants to harmless chemical products. Physical treatment includes filtration such membrane technology, sedimentation, and aeration. Dredging some of the affected surface waters like rivers, lakes, streams etc. to maintain its water volume while dredged materials containing pollutants contained and treated. Moreover, moving heavily affected soil and water to a centrally treated area will be necessary. It is worth noting that some of the artificially created ponds associated with galamsey need to be treated and filled to regain the soil to normal level. It is imperative that the Ghanaian municipal water treatment companies consider assessing the effectiveness of the existing process capabilities to handle these new chemicals including proper testing strategies and new treatment methodologies to deal with these chemicals. It could be done.

In conclusion, illegal mining “galamsey” needs to stop, because their impacts are far reaching and could cripple Ghana’s economy eventually, if necessary, steps are not taking. Treatments and restoration will involve a lot of processes, experts, and financial commitments to name a few. In the heart of the treatment and restoration efforts are special plants to join the efforts. Let us make the efforts today for tomorrow.