Assessment of Suitability of Inland Wetland Fishes in Gujarat, India, for Human Consumption: A Focus on Organochlorine Pesticides

Abstract

The work described in this study evaluated the organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in the inland wetland fishes of Gujarat, India, and their suitability for human consumption. Among the various OCPs analyzed, isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), γ-HCH and β-HCH were detected in 70%–80% of samples. The p,p’-DDE, metabolites of DDT were detected in higher load. Of the nine species of fishes tested, the maximum load of ∑HCH and ∑DDT was recorded in Puntius sophore with mean concentration of 112 ng/g and 67.06 ng/g wet wt. respectively whereas it was the minimum in Labeo rohita with mean concentrations of 3.5 ng/g and 4.2 ng/g wet wt. respectively. DDT and HCH detected in the present study were well below the tolerance limits recommended for fishes. The calculated daily dietary intake of OCPs in all the species examined was lower than the maximum acceptable daily intake limits prescribed for human consumption. Further studies on continuous monitoring of organochlorine pesticides and dietary intake are warranted to characterize the residue accumulation and to facilitate the early identification of risks due to fish consumption.