Abstract
Appreciable levels of trace metals have been reported in the Tano basin, but data on the corresponding levels in fish and the risk they pose to consumers are limited. The levels of 7 trace metals in 18 fish muscles were assessed between November 2016 and October 2017 using acid digestion and PerkinElmer (PinAACle 900T) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Apart from Cu, all the metals studied were detected in all fish samples. The levels of Cr, As, and Hg were higher than the acceptable levels of fish muscles. Cr concentration ranged from 16.10 ± 0.2 mg/kg in Clarias gariepinus to 57.9 ± 4.2 mg/kg in Sarotherodon galilaeus. The levels of As ranged from 1.01 ± 0.08 in Clarias gariepinus to 3.00 ± 0.01 mg/kg in Mormyrus rume. Hg level was 0.58 ± 0.69 mg/kg in Oreochromis niloticus and 2.52 ± 0.70 mg/kg in Ctenopoma kingsleyae. However, Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations were below the Food and Agriculture Organization limits with low target hazard quotients in all fish samples, suggesting no possible noncarcinogenic risks to adult consumers. Possible noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were recorded for As, Hg, and Cr in all fish species. Strong associations were observed between Hg, As, Zn, and Cr and between Pb and Cd suggesting a possible common source. Mormyrus rume fish species was under stress in the river, but the remaining species were in good condition. Periodic monitoring of trace metal concentrations in fish and enforcement of the buffer zone policy are recommended.
Highlights
Fish continue to be the main source of protein worldwide, yet trace metal pollution endangers them [1, 2]
Data on the concentrations of trace metals in fish from River Tano and the risk they pose to the consumers are limited. is research sought to assess trace metals levels in the muscles of fish samples from River Tano in Ghana and the hazards they pose to consumers. e information could be used to adopt some pollution control strategies and make informed decisions
E mean width of the male fish was 7.32 ± 2.33 cm, while that of the female was 5.76 ± 1.17 cm. e male fish samples were significantly heavier than the female fish samples (p < 0.05). e average weight of the male fish samples was 120.10 ± 4.0 g, while that of the female fish samples was 70.33 ± 0.9 g. e measured weight and size of the fish samples in this study are comparable to what was reported by Bawuro et al [41] in fish samples from Lake Geriyo in Nigeria
Summary
Fish continue to be the main source of protein worldwide, yet trace metal pollution endangers them [1, 2]. Fish in heavy metal polluted water are susceptible and vulnerable to toxicological problems because of their feeding habits and location in water environments [7,8,9]. Fish concentrate heavy metals in their tissues and for this reason may be used in estimating the level of pollution in the aquatic ecosystems [19, 20]. Studies conducted by Nyantakyi et al [25] on trace metals in water and sediment samples from the Tano Basin have revealed appreciable levels of Hg, Cd, and As. Fish exposed to higher contaminants, including heavy metals, absorb the bioavailable forms directly from the aquatic environment [12, 26]. Data on the concentrations of trace metals in fish from River Tano and the risk they pose to the consumers are limited. Data on the concentrations of trace metals in fish from River Tano and the risk they pose to the consumers are limited. is research sought to assess trace metals levels in the muscles of fish samples from River Tano in Ghana and the hazards they pose to consumers. e information could be used to adopt some pollution control strategies and make informed decisions
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