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🇬🇭 Ghana /Environment & Climate

Keep plastics out of our food chain

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • New research in Ghana has detected significant levels of microplastics in fish from the Lower Volta Basin and coastal communities, highlighting plastic pollution as a food and public health concern.
  • Microplastics were found in the guts and gills of both farmed and wild fish, with some samples averaging 365 particles per fish.
  • While exposure is confirmed, a direct health risk from consuming these microplastics is not yet established, urging strengthened efforts to prevent plastic waste from entering water bodies.

Plastic pollution in Ghana has long been viewed primarily as an environmental issue, evidenced by clogged drains, littered beaches, and widespread plastic waste. However, recent research is shifting this perspective, revealing plastic pollution as a significant food and public health concern.

The findings should not be a cause for panic, but they certainly deserve serious attention.

— Article textIntroducing the significance of the microplastic research findings.

Research conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI) has identified substantial amounts of microplastics in fish sourced from the Lower Volta Basin and along the Gulf of Guinea coast. Senior Research Scientist Dr. Pennante Naa Ayikialey Bruce-Vanderpuije presented findings showing microplastics in the digestive tracts and gills of both cage-farmed and wild fish.

Some fish samples, particularly those from Asikuma, showed an average of approximately 365 microplastic particles. Researchers noted potential links to human activities, identifying paint and PVC particles associated with boats and aquaculture infrastructure, as well as contaminated fishmeal and plastic nets as possible sources. This underscores the uncomfortable reality that discarded plastic waste can break down and enter the aquatic food chain.

In some cases, the levels were substantial, with fish sampled at Asikuma recording an average of about 365 particles per fish.

— Article textDetailing the quantity of microplastics found in fish samples.

Given that fish is a staple in the Ghanaian diet, the implications are particularly relevant. The research suggests that individuals consuming the gills and guts of cage-farmed tilapia could ingest thousands of microplastic particles annually. However, researchers emphasize that the study confirms exposure, not a definitive health risk. More evidence is needed to determine if the ingested microplastic levels pose measurable health problems.

Researchers identified paint and PVC particles associated with boats and cage infrastructure, while contaminated fishmeal and plastic nets were also identified as possible sources.

— Article textSuggesting potential origins of microplastic contamination linked to human activities.

While avoiding unnecessary public alarm, the findings warrant serious attention. The prudent approach involves strengthening measures to prevent plastic waste from reaching water bodies. This includes improving waste collection and recycling systems, consistently enforcing environmental regulations, and encouraging the aquaculture industry to adopt safer materials for cages, nets, and fish feed. Preventing contamination is a more effective strategy than waiting for a health crisis to emerge.

The research estimated that people who consume the gills and guts of cage-farmed tilapia could ingest thousands of microplastic particles annually.

— Article textEstimating potential annual microplastic ingestion through fish consumption.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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