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Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Metalloid in Foodstuffs from Agricultural Soils around Tarkwa Area in Ghana, and Associated Human Health Risks

Author

Listed:
  • Nesta Bortey-Sam

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Shouta M. M. Nakayama

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Osei Akoto

    (Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Yoshinori Ikenaka

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan
    Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa)

  • Julius N. Fobil

    (Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG13, Legon, Ghana)

  • Elvis Baidoo

    (Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Hazuki Mizukawa

    (Department of Environmental Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan)

  • Mayumi Ishizuka

    (Laboratory of Toxicology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita ku, Sapporo 060–0818, Japan)

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the extent of heavy metals and metalloid accumulation from agricultural soils to foodstuffs (viz, M. esculenta (cassava) and Musa paradisiaca (plantain)) around thirteen neighboring communities within Tarkwa, Ghana; and to estimate the human health risk associated with consumption of these foodstuffs. Concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured with an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer and mercury analysis was done using a mercury analyzer. From the results, 30% of cassava samples collected, contained higher concentrations of Pb when compared to Codex Alimentarius Commission standard values. Bioconcentration factor indicated that Ni had higher capacity of absorption into food crops from soil than the other heavy metals. For both children and adults, the target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb in cassava in communities such as Techiman, Wangarakrom, Samahu, and Tebe (only children) were greater than 1, which is defined as an acceptable risk value. This indicated that residents could be exposed to significant health risks associated with cassava consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Nesta Bortey-Sam & Shouta M. M. Nakayama & Osei Akoto & Yoshinori Ikenaka & Julius N. Fobil & Elvis Baidoo & Hazuki Mizukawa & Mayumi Ishizuka, 2015. "Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Metalloid in Foodstuffs from Agricultural Soils around Tarkwa Area in Ghana, and Associated Human Health Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:8:p:8811-8827:d:53275
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nesta Bortey-Sam & Shouta M. M. Nakayama & Osei Akoto & Yoshinori Ikenaka & Elvis Baidoo & Hazuki Mizukawa & Mayumi Ishizuka, 2015. "Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals and a Metalloid in Agricultural Soils in Tarkwa, Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-18, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Amuah, Ebenezer Ebo Yahans & Fei-Baffoe, Bernard & Kazapoe, Raymond Webrah & Dankwa, Paul & Okyere, Isaac Kwaku & Sackey, Lyndon Nii Adjiri & Nang, Douti Biyogue & Kpiebaya, Prosper, 2024. "From the ground up: Unveiling Ghana's soil quality crisis and its ecological and health implications," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 3(1).
    2. Niladri Basu & Elisha P. Renne & Rachel N. Long, 2015. "An Integrated Assessment Approach to Address Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, September.

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