Michael Dorleku is an Analytical chemist and Research Scientist with extensive expertise in hydrogeochemistry, trace metal monitoring, and water quality assessment, with more than two decades of professional experience in laboratory science and environmental research. He is a PhD holder in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Cape Coast , supported by earlier qualifications including an M.Phil. in Environmental Science from the University of Ghana and a B.Sc. in Laboratory Technology.

Since 2016, Dorleku has served as a Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Water Research Institute (CSIR–WRI), where he leads investigations into groundwater and surface water chemistry, the mobility of toxic metals, and the environmental impacts of anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining. His responsibilities span hydrogeochemical analysis, water and wastewater quality monitoring, laboratory safety management, and supervision of technical reporting and student research training. His earlier professional experiences include lecturing, laboratory internships, and national service at major scientific institutions such as the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

Michael Dorleku’s research centers on understanding the geochemical evolution of water systems, the distribution and health impacts of heavy metals, and the environmental quality of wetlands and mining-affected basins. He has contributed significantly to national environmental knowledge through studies on groundwater contamination in the Lower Pra Basin, trace metal migration in coastal lagoons, nutrient dynamics in aquifers, and long-term hydrochemical variations in key river basins including the Upper Oti. His work spans both peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports for environmental management agencies, demonstrating a blend of academic rigor and applied scientific relevance.

His publication record includes studies in reputable journals such as Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Applied Water Science, Sustainable Water Resources Management and the Ghana Journal of Science. These works document critical findings on arsenic and fluoride co-occurrence, trace metal exposure risks, and groundwater quality determinants in mining regions and ecologically sensitive wetlands.

Beyond research, Michael Dorleku has pursued specialized training in laboratory quality management, carbonate chemistry, and groundwater monitoring, strengthening his capabilities in advanced analytical techniques and environmental assessment protocols. He is an active member of the Ghana Science Association and the International Association of Impact Assessors, reflecting his engagement with broader scientific and policy communities.

Publications

Book Chapter (1)

1. Tay, C.K., Dorleku, M., Koranteng, S. (2021). Hydrochemical Evolution of Groundwater within the Amansie and Adansi Districts of the Ashanti Region (Ghana). In: Recent Advances in Environmental Science from the Euro-Mediterranean and Surrounding Regions (2nd Ed.), EMCEI 2019. Springer, Cham, pp. 1629–1638.

Refereed Journal Papers (11)

1. Dorleku, M., Tay, C., Barku, V. A., Osae, S., & Essumang, D. K. (2025). Assessment of the processes influencing co-occurrence of arsenic and fluoride for pollution identification in groundwater within the Upper Oti Basin, Ghana. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 11(5), 110.
2. Dorleku, M.K., Gibrilla, A., Ganyaglo, S., et al. (2022). Spatio-temporal variation of groundwater chemistry in the Upper Oti Basin of Ghana. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195:246.
3. Dorleku, M.K., Tay, C., Kumi, M., Amoah, D.K., et al. (2021). Assessment of trace metal contamination by geochmical normalisation in sediments of two lagoons: A comparative study of the Kpeshie and Muni Lagoons, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Science, 62(1), 37–50.
4. Dorleku, M.K., Affum, A.O., Tay, C.K., & Nukpezah, D. (2019). Assessment of nutrient levels in groundwater within the Lower Pra Basin of Ghana. Ghana Journal of Science, 60(1), 24–36. 
5. Tay, C.K., Dorleku, M., Doamekpor, L.K. (2019). Human exposure risks assessment of heavy metals in groundwater within the Amansie and Adansi Districts, Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology.
6. Dorleku, M.K., Nukpezah, D., & Carboo, D. (2018). Effects of small-scale gold mining on heavy metal levels in groundwater in the Lower Pra Basin of Ghana. Applied Water Science, 8:126.
7. Tay, C.K., Dorleku, M., Koranteng, S.S. (2018). Hydrochemical evolution of ground and surface water within the Amansie and Adansi Districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 26(2).
8. Markwo, A., Ayamba, A.M.A., Dinku, D.E., Carboo, D., Awuku, F.J., & Dorleku, M. (2017). Migration of inorganic antimony into PET bottled water marketed in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Journal of Natural Science Research, 7(24).
9. Affum, A.O., Osae, D.S., Nyarko, J.B., Dorleku, M. et al., (2015). Total coliforms, arsenic, and cadmium exposure through drinking water in the Western Region of Ghana. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 187. DOI:10.1007/s10661-014-4167-x.
10. Dorleku, M. (2013). Groundwater contamination by small-scale mining with toxic metals in the Lower Pra Basin. Unpublished M.Phil thesis, University of Ghana.
11. Essuman, K. & Dorleku, M. (2012). Mercury and silver levels in Mussels, Red-Mouthed Rockshell, sediments, and water samples along the Sakumono Lagoon of Ghana. Blue Biotechnology Journal, 1(2).

Edited Research Reports (5)

1. Banu, R.A, Dorleku, M., Addo, A., Borbor, S., Agyemang, M.D., Loghah, F.Y., Asmah, R.(2026). Report on the Investigation of Fish kill Event in the keta Lagoon at Aborlove-Nolopi.CSIR/WRI/ERR/RAB/2026/1.
2. Dorleku, M., & Tay, C.(2024). An Examination of Pipe-Borne Water Quality from the Daboase Treatment Plant to Communities Around Daboase and its Environs. Technical Report, CSIR/WRI/ERR/ MD/2024/2 .
3. Dorleku, M., Amu-Mensah, M., Afram, M., Borbor, S., Yawson, L., & Hodgson, O.(2024). Assessment of Wetlands by Water and Sediment Quality Indices Approach: A case Study of Kpeshie and Muni Lagoons. Technical Report, CSIR/WRI/ERR/MD/2024/1.
4. Tay, C., Dorleku, M., Doamekpor, L.K. (2020). Human exposure risks assessment of heavy metals in groundwater within the Amansie and Adansi Districts, Ghana. CSIR/WRI/ERR/CKT/2021/1.
5. Tay, C., Hodgson, I.O.A., Dorleku, M. (2009). Hydrochemistry of groundwater within the Ashanti Gold Belt of Ghana: a case study – Obuasi and its environs. CSIR/WRI/ERR/CKT/2009/1.

Refereed Conference Papers (2)

1. Michael Dorleku and Collins Tay (2025). Evaluating the Integrity of Treated Water from the Daboase Plant to Nearby settlements.34th Biennial conf. of the Ghana Science Association, Tamale.
2. Tay, C.K., Dorleku, M., Koranteng, S. (2021/2019). Hydrochemical evolution of groundwater within the Amansie and Adansi Districts, Ashanti Region (Ghana). 2nd Euro-Mediterranean Conf. for Environmental Integration, Sousse, Tunisia.