Health Risk Associated with Pesticide Contamination of Fish from the Densu River Basin in Ghana

Abstract

The Densu River Basin constitutes one of the largest agricultural areas in Ghana. The practice of using pesticides such as organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and several others in agriculture and public health programs has raised concerns about potentially adverse effects on human health and the environment. In this study, a field survey was conducted to assess farmers' knowledge of safe handling and use of pesticides. Residues of pesticides in fish samples as well as the potential health risk associated with exposure to these pesticides were also evaluated. Data obtained from the field survey indicate that a very high proportion of farmers are at high risk of pesticide poisoning from occupational exposure. More than 90% of farm workers do not practice safety precaution during pesticide formulation and application leading to considerable prevalence of pesticide related illness in this agricultural community. Pesticide residues in fish samples varied greatly; from 0.10 µg•Kg-1 to 30.90 µg•Kg-1 , consumption of fish and fisheries product from the basin was no zero risk. The estimated dose for aldrin, methoxychlor, γ-chlordane, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, endrin, p'p'-DDT and δ-HCH do not pose a direct hazard to human health, although present in fish samples since the values were lower than toxic thresholds as well as reference dose. However, γ-HCH, heptachlor, α-endosulfan, endosulfan Sulphate, p'p'-DDE and dieldrin levels exceeded the reference dose, indicating a great potential for systemic toxicity in children who are considered to be the most vulnerable population subgroup.

Pesticide Use Practices and Perceptions of Vegetable Farmers in the Cocoa Belts of the Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana

“…The observed results are consistent with the findings of Fianko et al [21]. For the Densu River basin of Ghana.…”

“…It is therefore not surprising that organo chlorine pesticide residues (DDE) was detected in tilapia fish and water samples from Lake Bosumtwi [26,28], and in fish samples in four Lagoons in Ghana [29]. The health risk associated with pesticide contamination of fish from the Densu River Basin in Ghana have also been reported by Fianko et al [21].…”

Chemical Biomarker Study of Negative Physiological Effects of Insecticides on Pakistani Farm Workers Health in the Central Punjab

“…50 Similar trend was also reported by a study carried out in Egypt where significant incidence of health related problems were reported in agricultural community. 51,52,53 Another study also pointed out that the incidence of pesticide exposure increased among workers who had not followed instructions / guidelines for proper handling of pesticides. 15,54,3 Significantly altered biochemical responses in the populations under investigation with more number of years (< 10) and particularly that BChE levels (Table 4) support the idea that the toxicity of insecticide increases with the passage of time.…”

Farming-Biodiversity Segregation or Integration? Revisiting Land Sparing versus Land Sharing Debate

“…On the contrary to LSP, LSH proponents see agriculture intensification as one of the major causes of water and air pollution, as well as depletion of ecosystems services from local to global scales [11]- [13]. For example, pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers are amongst the greatest cause of water contamination [14] [15].…”