A new scientific study has found alarmingly high levels of arsenic and mercury in fish from Ghana’s Keta Lagoon, raising serious concerns about public health, especially for children who are particularly vulnerable to toxic exposure. Conducted by peer review, this study was evaluated by experts in the same field and published in Scientific Reports.
The researchers examined twelve fish samples collected during the minor rainy season from various locations within the lagoon. The results showed that 75 percent of the samples contained arsenic levels exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) safety threshold, while mercury levels exceeded WHO limits in all twelve samples.
The Keta Lagoon, located in southeastern Ghana, is a coastal lagoon separated by a sandbar. Its “closed” nature makes it especially prone to accumulating pollutants. The lagoon’s ecosystem supports local communities that rely heavily on fishing for food and livelihood, putting residents at significant risk of exposure to harmful contaminants.
The researchers employed rigorous laboratory procedures to ensure the accuracy of their analysis, including advanced techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry.
The study’s statistical analysis, according to Dr Richard Tsiwah Cobbinah, Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Lead investigator, showed significant differences in contamination levels among sampling sites, suggesting varied pollution sources across the lagoon, with correlation data also pointing to industrial and agricultural runoff as likely contributors.
“The health risk assessments painted a grim picture. According to the study with adults, hazard index (HI) values were well above safe levels at 14.5, while for children, the HI soared to 44.1,” he added.
Cancer risk assessments confirmed that all metals except cadmium posed long-term cancer risks for children, with arsenic, mercury, and chromium being of highest concern. Non-carcinogenic risk was also elevated, particularly for children, whose target hazard quotient (THQ) values were far beyond the acceptable limit.
The findings underscore the urgent need for environmental regulation, pollution control, and community education. While the study was limited by its small sample size and seasonal scope, it highlights a clear and present danger that calls for immediate government action.
The Researchers recommend expanding the scope of future studies to include a broader dataset across seasons and locations, and stress the need for sustainable lagoon management and stricter enforcement against illegal dumping and runoff.
Until then, they urge caution in the consumption of fish from Keta Lagoon, especially by children and pregnant women.
The findings have sparked fear and panic about the potential health risks associated with consuming fish and other seafood from the Keta lagoon, which may be contaminated.
Information from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust, present in soil, water, food, and air. It is classified as a carcinogen and can cause various health issues, including discolouration and lesions on the skin, as well as cancer of the skin, bladder, and lung. Additionally, it can lead to neurological problems and cardiovascular diseases. The risks associated with arsenic and mercury exposure are particularly significant for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Mr. Etsey Gago, a fisherman from Keta, shared with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) his concerns regarding the high levels of arsenic and mercury found in the Keta Lagoon. He emphasised that this pollution poses risks not only to human health but also to fish and other aquatic life in the area. The accumulation of these toxic substances in fish and other aquatic organisms can lead to a range of health problems and even death.
He called for urgent action to address the pollution in the Keta Lagoon and urged the government and other stakeholders to collaborate in identifying the sources of contamination. Developing effective strategies to reduce arsenic and mercury levels in the lagoon is essential.
“The health risks associated with consuming fish and other seafood from the lagoon are a major concern,” he stated. “The government and health officials need to educate the public about these risks and provide guidance on safe consumption practices.” He also noted that the lagoon is an important ecosystem that supports a wide variety of plant and animal life, and pollution is likely to have a significant impact on the environment. He urged local fishermen to exercise greater vigilance in their activities.
Source: GNA
