Rising Concerns Over Toxic Contamination in Keta Lagoon
A recent scientific study has uncovered dangerously high levels of arsenic and mercury in fish from Ghana’s Keta Lagoon, raising significant public health concerns. The findings have sparked alarm among local communities, particularly for children who are most at risk from toxic exposure. The lagoon, a vital source of food and livelihood for many residents, now poses a serious threat due to the presence of harmful pollutants.
The research, published in Scientific Reports, involved examining twelve fish samples collected during the minor rainy season from various points within the lagoon. The results were alarming: 75% of the samples contained arsenic levels exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) safety threshold, while all twelve samples had mercury levels that surpassed recommended limits. These findings highlight a critical issue that demands immediate attention.
The Vulnerable Ecosystem of Keta Lagoon
Located in southeastern Ghana, the Keta Lagoon is a coastal lagoon separated by a sandbar. Its closed nature makes it especially susceptible to pollutant accumulation. This ecosystem supports local communities that rely heavily on fishing for both sustenance and income. However, the contamination of fish with toxic metals puts these communities at significant risk of exposure to harmful substances.
To ensure the accuracy of their analysis, researchers employed rigorous laboratory procedures, including advanced techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. These methods allowed for precise measurement of metal concentrations in the fish samples.
Health Risks and Risk Assessments
According to Dr. Richard Tsiwah Cobbinah, lead investigator and Department of Chemistry researcher at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the study’s statistical analysis revealed significant differences in contamination levels across sampling sites. This suggests varied pollution sources throughout the lagoon. Correlation data also pointed to industrial and agricultural runoff as likely contributors to the contamination.
Health risk assessments showed worrying results. For adults, hazard index (HI) values were well above safe levels at 14.5, while for children, the HI reached 44.1. 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 risks were also elevated, particularly for children, whose target hazard quotient (THQ) values far exceeded acceptable limits.
Calls for Immediate Action and Long-Term Solutions
The study underscores the urgent need for environmental regulation, pollution control, and community education. While the research was limited by its small sample size and seasonal scope, it highlights a clear and present danger that requires immediate government action. Researchers recommend expanding future studies to include a broader dataset across different seasons and locations. They also emphasize the need for sustainable lagoon management and stricter enforcement against illegal dumping and runoff.
Until then, they urge caution in consuming fish from the Keta Lagoon, especially for children and pregnant women. The findings have already caused fear and panic among local populations, who are concerned about the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood.
Broader Implications of Arsenic and Mercury
Arsenic, a naturally occurring element in the earth’s crust, can be found in soil, water, food, and air. It is a known carcinogen that can cause skin discoloration, lesions, and cancers of the skin, bladder, and lungs, as well as neurological and cardiovascular problems. Mercury, another toxic metal, also poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Mr. Etsey Gago, a local fisherman from Keta, expressed concern not only about human health but also about the impact on aquatic life. He noted that toxic substances could accumulate in fish and other organisms, leading to health problems or even death. He urged the government and stakeholders to take immediate action to address the pollution and develop effective strategies to reduce the levels of arsenic and mercury in the lagoon.
A Call for Vigilance and Responsibility
Gago emphasized the importance of public awareness and education about the risks associated with consuming contaminated fish. He called for collaboration between government agencies, health officials, and local communities to ensure safe consumption practices and protect the lagoon’s ecosystem. As an essential habitat for a wide range of plant and animal life, the Keta Lagoon’s pollution threatens not only human health but also the environment itself. Fishermen and residents must remain vigilant in their activities to mitigate further damage.
