A new scientific study has raised serious health concerns after discovering dangerously high levels of arsenic and mercury in fish from Ghana’s Keta Lagoon, with children identified as the most vulnerable group.
The peer-reviewed study, recently published in ‘Scientific Reports’, analyzed 12 fish samples collected during the minor rainy season from multiple locations within the lagoon. The results were alarming:
- 75% of the samples exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety limits for arsenic
- 100% surpassed WHO thresholds for mercury
Researchers used advanced techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry to confirm the findings.
Dr. Richard Tsiwah Cobbinah of KNUST’s Chemistry Department, who led the study, revealed that hazard index (HI) values were critically high:
- HI for adults was 14.5
- HI for children reached a shocking 44.1, far beyond the acceptable risk level
Further analysis revealed that arsenic, mercury, and chromium pose long-term cancer risks, especially for children. The study also found that non-carcinogenic risks were elevated, with Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values showing significant danger for pregnant women and young children.
The Keta Lagoon, a closed coastal lagoon in southeastern Ghana, supports thousands of residents who depend on it for fishing and food. Its enclosed nature makes it especially susceptible to pollution buildup from sources like industrial runoff, agricultural chemicals, and illegal dumping.
Mr. Etsey Gago, a local fisherman, described the findings as devastating:
“The toxic substances are not only dangerous to humans but also threaten the entire aquatic ecosystem. Fish can die or pass those toxins to us when consumed.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that arsenic, a known carcinogen, can cause serious health problems, including skin, lung, and bladder cancer, neurological issues, and cardiovascular diseases. Mercury exposure is also linked to brain damage, birth defects, and organ failure.
Researchers are urging the Ghanaian government, local authorities, and environmental agencies to:
- Expand monitoring to cover different seasons and larger sample sizes
- Identify and address pollution sources
- Educate the public on safe fish consumption
- Enforce pollution control laws
Residents are strongly advised to limit consumption of fish from the lagoon, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly, until further notice.
The report underscores the urgent need for sustainable lagoon management, public health intervention, and swift policy action to prevent a potential environmental and health disaster.
