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Abstract
Public health in urban marketplaces is threatened by microbiological contamination from poor sanitation and chemical contamination from environmental pollution. This study investigated both the ecological risk from heavy metal soil contamination and the socio-behavioral factors influencing sanitation practices among food handlers at the Obuasi Central Market. A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. First, 30 soil samples from the market were analyzed for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, chromium) with a portable XRF analyzer, assessing ecological risk through risk quotient (RQ) indices. Second, a survey was conducted among food handlers using a structured questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge and practices, with data analyzed through Chi-square tests and correlation analysis. The environmental assessment revealed significant arsenic contamination (mean = 150.8 mg/kg), exceeding safety thresholds and posing a high ecological risk to earthworms (RQ = 1.15), indicating a pathway for bioaccumulation in the food chain. Cadmium levels were moderately elevated, while other metals were lower or undetectable. Concurrently, the survey identified a significant association between food handlers' education levels and their hygiene practices (χ² = 25.242, p = 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was found between years of experience and the perceived importance of sanitation (r = 0.391, p = 0.030).
The Obuasi market is significantly impacted by chemical contamination from mining and poor hygiene practices among vendors. This poses a serious public health risk to consumers. An urgent intervention strategy is needed, including environmental remediation, stricter sanitation enforcement, vendor hygiene training, and essential infrastructure like clean water and handwashing stations. Addressing these issues is crucial for protecting consumer health and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) in mining communities.