Assessment of metal levels and pollution indices of the Songor Wetland, Ghana

Sediment, soil and fish samples collected from the Songor Wetland were assessed for spatial distributions of metal (Al, Fe, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, Cd Hg) levels contamination loads, using pollution indices multivariate analysis. The processed through microwave digestions (Soil Sediment: [HNO3, HCl, HF, H2O2]; Fish: H2O2]), followed by analysis extracts ICP-MS. results displayed patchiness in sediment samples, some cases, defying established trend that metals sediments are generally higher than soils. differences ascribed to geological dominance anthropogenic impacts. finfish species relatively bioaccumulation patterns crustaceans. Aluminium (Al) Zn moderately enriched samples. Overall enrichment factors ([EF {Al} EF {Fe}]) suggested low minimal except a few cases. Pollution Load Index (PLI) based on Contamination Factor (CF) loads less baseline levels. On other hand, Pearson Correlation Coefficient demonstrated present wetland more lithogenic with remarkable inputs biogenic components. Principal Component Analysis revealed an association western section wetland, Cd, Hg eastern part while remaining concentrated at mid-section wetland. Lead (Pb) (1.10 ± 0.70 mg/kg) finfishes exceeded EU Regulation 1881/2006/EU (0.05 tissues could pose public health concerns.