Occurrence, metallo-toxicological interactions, and health risks of selected potentially toxic elements in the River Offin, Ghana.

ABSTRACT: Illegal gold mining in the River Offin watershed is causing significant environmental concerns due to the discharge of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into aquatic ecosystems. This study assessed the occurrence, accumulation, and health implications of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) in water, sediments, and fish from the Offin River, Ghana. Physicochemical parameters, water quality index (WQI), pollution indices, bioconcentration (BCF), biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF), and synergistic and antagonistic effects of PTEs were evaluated, and pollution sources were assessed using multivariate statistical analyses. The findings indicated Hg, As, EC, Se, and turbidity concentrations exceeded the guideline limits in water, sediments, and fish samples. The WQI of 7460.609

SUBMITTER: Ashong GW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12663263 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature