Micro Plastic Contamination of Fish from The Korle La Goon in Accra, Ghana and Potential Health Risks

Abstract

Background: The growing production of plastics and inadequate waste management has exacerbated microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, posing significant ecological and human health risks. Despite increasing awareness of microplastic pollution, limited research has been conducted on its extent in Ghanaian aquatic ecosystems, particularly in fish commonly consumed bylocal populations. This study investigates the microplastic burden in fish from the Korle Lagoon and adjacent Gulf of Guinea, comparing contamination levels across different species and tissue types while exploring potential implications for human consumption. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine microplastic contamination of fish from the Korle lagoon and adjacent Gulf of Guinea (sea). Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that involved analysis of microplastics on different fish species harvested from the Korle lagoon and the Gulf of Guinea. One hundred and fifty (150) fishes from the lagoon and sea were analyzed in the laboratory using stereomicroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify and count microplastics. Results: Gut tissues exhibited the highest contamination levels, accounting for 60– 70% of total particles, predominantly fragments and fibres. Black and transparent microplastics, linked to urban and industrial sources, were most common. Sediment-dwelling species showed significantly higher microplastic accumulation due to their sediment interactions, underscoring habitat-driven exposure risks. Conclusions: Although microplastic contamination in muscle tissues which is the edible part was less than 10%, its presence still raises legitimate concerns and may pose a health risk to humans after consumption.