A Water Quality Index (WQI) is a tool that describes the overall water quality by combining complex and technical water quality information into a single meaningful unitless numerical value. WQIs predict water quality since they reflect the impact of multiple Water Quality Parameters (WQPs) and allow for spatial-temporal comparison of water quality status. Most African countries employ adapted WQIs by modifying the original index (or indices) and propose their concepts for evaluating the quality of surface and groundwater, which is normally accompanied by irregularities. The current review examined the process(es) involved in WQI modifications for monitoring water quality in Africa, explored associated limitations, and suggested areas for improvement. A review of 42 research articles from five databases in the last ten years (2012–2022) was conducted. The findings indicated Weighted Arithmetic (WAWQI) and the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCMEWQI) as the most adapted WQIs. However, several limitations were encountered in WQI developmental steps, mainly in parameter selection and classification schemes used for the final index value. Incorporation of biological parameters, use of less subjective statistical methods in parameter selection, and logical linguistic descriptions in classification schemes were some recommendations for remedying the limitations to register the full potential of adapted WQIs for water quality monitoring in Africa.

In order to achieve sustainable fishing livelihoods in coastal communities, data on profitability of small-scale fisheries relative to fish species caught and gear types used by fishermen is required as part of a broader fisheries management strategy. This study was undertaken with this in mind. Interviews were conducted among 60 fishermen between February and March 2010. Economic assessment of small-scale fishing activities were done using questionnaires based on direct market pricing and contingent valuation methods. The results indicate that highly profitable fish species include Epinephelus aeneus, Sparus caeruleostictus, Dentex angolensis and Lutjanus goreensis valued at US$2.97, US$2.87, US$2.85 and US$2.63 per kilogram respectively. The less profitable species include Dasyatis margarita, Caranx crysos and Sardinella aurita valued at US$0.34, US$0.66 and US$ 0.85 per kilogram respectively. Although Sardinella aurita was among the less valuable fish species, it was the main species driving profits for the fishermen due to its high share volume among the fish catches. Findings from this study suggest high rates of exploitation, in that stocks generally cannot provide for increased economic return in the face of increased investment. This is a clear indicator that the open-access nature of Ghanaian fisheries is not sustainable, and management reform is well overdue.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge caused by the ability of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and viruses to survive the effects of drugs that hitherto were effective against them. This study sought to investigate the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their corresponding molecular determinants in fish farms of the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. Management practices and antibiotic use at the fish farms were obtained through the administration of a questionnaire. Coliform and Gram-positive bacterial loads of catfish (Clarias gariepinus), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intestinal microbiota, and pond water samples recovered on MacConkey Agar and Mannitol Salt Agar were determined. Bacterial isolates were identified using various biochemical assays. Antibiotic resistance profiles and possible responsible genes of bacterial isolates were determined using the disc diffusion and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods respectively. The study revealed that none of the fish farm managers admitted using antibiotics for prevention and treatment of diseases and no major disease outbreak had ever been recorded. Bacterial loads of pond water exceeded the acceptable level of ≤100 E. coli and <10 coliforms per mL for wastewater recommended for use in fish farming. In all, 145 bacterial isolates comprising 99 Gram negative and 46 Gram-positive bacteria were stored and identified. Most isolates were resistant to at least an antibiotic. Both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics with a corresponding high percentage detection of the bla_TEM gene compared to other classes of antibiotics. This study has revealed the presence of various molecular determinants of antibiotic resistance including bla_TEM, cmIA, qnrS, tetB and bla_CTX-M, in multidrug-resistant bacteria at some fish farms in Ghana. There is the need to increase awareness about risks associated with the misuse and overuse of antibiotics by humans and the potential risk of spread of multi-drug resistant-bacteria in the environment.

This study assessed the effects of tidal stages and habitat conditions on nekton assemblage and distribution in the Kakum River estuarine mangrove system in the Central Region of Ghana. Teleosts an...