Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Finfish and Shellfish Samples From Tano River, Ghana: A Food Safety Issue

This study investigates mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) contamination in water, sediments, finfish, and shellfish from the Tano River in Ghana’s Western North Region. Forty‐eight fish and shellfish samples (12 species) and 27 paired water/sediment samples were analyzed. Bioaccumulation patterns, lipid content, and fish condition factors (CFs) were assessed, while human health risks were evaluated using estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk index (CRI). Results show heavy metals’ contamination trends of water < sediment < shellfish < finfish, with Cd and Hg in water exceeding WHO and USEPA thresholds. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were highest for arsenic (up to 13.6), while fish such as Clarias gariepinus and Gnathonemus petersii displayed poor health indices. Noncarcinogenic risks (THQs) were below 1, but CRI values for Cd and As exceeded the 1.0 × 10 −4 threshold, suggesting potential carcinogenic risks from long‐term consumption. The paper provides valuable baseline data for food safety and ecological monitoring in Ghana.