ARCHIVES
VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Heavy metals in crab and tilapia fish from Korle and Kpeshie Lagoon: Implications for human consumption
Authors
Umudi Ese Queen, Odimgbe Ezekiel Izudike, Olubunmi Abiola Adewusi, Abdulkarim Shehu Salihu, Erienu Kennedy Obruche
Abstract
Lagoons represent highly
productive coastal ecosystems that offer essential natural services; however,
pollution within these areas leads to detrimental alterations in the
environment. In Ghana, both Korle and Kpeshie Lagoons are subjected to waste
discharges from industrial activities and municipal sewage. It is crucial to
control and monitor the contaminants present in these ecosystems to safeguard
environmental health. This study investigated the levels of heavy metals
(arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc) in crabs (Callinectes
amnicola) and fish (Sarotherodon melanotheron) from Kpeshie and Korle Lagoons,
comparing the findings to the environmental standards established by
international organizations such as the WHO and US EPA. The concentrations of
metals in Sarotherodon melanotheron were measured in mgkg-1 as
follows: As, 0.397 ± 0.07; Cd, 1.10 ± 1.31; Cr, 5.895 ± 9.76; Cu, 3.494 ± 4.56;
Pb, 1.227 ± 5.77; Zn, 23.225 ± 10.93. In Callinectes amnicola, the
concentrations were: As, 0.288 ± 0.07 mgkg-1; Cd, 4.60 ± 2.69 mgkg-1;
Cr, 39.521 ± 55.89 mgkg-1; Cu, 31.085 ± 16.26 mgkg-1; Pb,
10.902 ± 12.95 mgkg-1; Zn, 36.042 ± 17.8 mgkg-1. The levels of
cadmium, chromium, and lead in both Callinectes amnicola and Sarotherodon
melanotheron surpassed the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. The estimated
target hazard quotient (THQ) for cadmium, chromium, and lead in the fishery
examined at Kpeshie Lagoon was found to be less than 1, suggesting that the
regular consumption of Callinectes amnicola and Sarotherodon melanotheron does
not present a significant non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers.
Pages:21-25
How to cite this article:
Umudi Ese Queen, Odimgbe Ezekiel Izudike, Olubunmi Abiola Adewusi, Abdulkarim Shehu Salihu, Erienu Kennedy Obruche "Heavy metals in crab and tilapia fish from Korle and Kpeshie Lagoon: Implications for human consumption". International Journal of Chemistry Studies, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 21-25
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