POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs) LEVELS IN ATLANTIC HORSE MACKEREL

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the PCB levels in the Atlantic Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) sourced from cold storage points in Benin City, Nigeria by GC analysis and its suitability for human consumption. The PCB concentrations (mg/kg) in T. trachurus ranged from 0.01710 for PCB 118 to 0.4082 for PCB 126 with a recorded total of 0.5329 while the mean concentrations (mg/kg) of PCBs in T. trachurus by cold storage point ranged from 0.0185 for PCB 114 to 0.4383 for PCB 126 both for New Benin point and Uselu point respectively, with no observed significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean concentrations of PCBs 126, 156 and 138 in fish between these points. The mean concentration (mg/kg) of PCBs in T. trachurus by month peaked in July with a value of 0.4390 for PCB 126. However, there was no observed significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean concentrations of PCBs 114, 118, 138, 153, 156, and 180 in fish specimens between months. Essentially, data from the study revealed that the experimental fish species are suitable to eat by the consuming public as there was no glaring indication of immediate health hazards.