TRACE-METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE PINK SHRIMP PENAEUS-NOTIALIS FROM THE COAST OF GHANA

Studies were conducted on the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg, Cd, and Fe in 48 samples of the pink shrimp Penaeus notialis caught off the mouth of the Korle Lagoon, the most polluted coastal lagoon in Ghana. The pattern of occurence in order of decreasing concentration was Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb > Hg Cd. A positive correlation was found between Hg and body weight suggesting its accumulation by shrimp. Comparatively, the concentrations obtained in the present study were similar to corresponding values for shrimp caught off the coast of West and Central Africa. However, they, except Hg, were higher than values for fin fishes from the Ghanaian coast. Results indicate that the shrimp are safe for human consumption.