Abstract:
Consuming fish meal may have health benefits and also contain contaminants. The mean
concentrations of ten trace elements (TE) in Sarotherodon melanotheron (Blackchin tilapia) obtained
from the Benya Lagoon at Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality (KEEA) in the Central
Region of Ghana were determined. Since this fish is consumed as a whole, the parts of the fish
investigated were the bones, muscles and gills. The health index was also determined. The
concentrations were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and the
standard reference materials used were the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-336; IAEA-
407, IAEA-350 and National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) USA SRM 1577b. The
Relative standardization method was used in the quantification of all the elements. The estimated
health risk calculated showed that the concentrations of Ca, I, K and Al were high in the order Ca > I >
K > Al with all exceeding the Maximum Upper Limit (UL) of the Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA) for all life stage groups investigated. Cu also exceeded the RDA, for the age group between 1-
13 years and Mn for children between 1-3 years. Cl and Na registered concentration values below their
RDA. Analysis showed that all the elements except Ca and K which had the highest concentrations in
all the parts of the fish, the same amounts of concentrations of the elements is derived irrespective of
the date one eats the fish. And anyone who ate some of the fish was likely to derive more Ca and K
nutrients. Using Pearson correlation coefficients calculation, the probable sources of the ten trace
elements were determined. This knowledge may also be useful for designing the best management
plans for the Benya Lagoon’s ecosystems restoration and protection efforts.
