Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Organochlorinated Pesticides (OCPs) in Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) from three Spatially Distinct Locations along the Coast of South Africa: Levels, Sources and Fish Size Effec

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), endosulfan and benzenhexachloride (BHC) were evaluated in yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) fish species. These hardous compounds were studied in fish sampled from three locations: Port Elizabeth, Yzerfontein and Struis Bay. The aim of the study was to investigate the profiles, levels and sources of PAHs and pesticides in yellowtail from the selected locations in relation to fish size and lipid content. Significant variations (p<0.05) were observed in the levels of PAHs measured in fish sampled from the three locations. Fish from Port Elizabeth had the highest PAHs concentrations (533.95 ± 34.36), followed by Yzerfontein (221.40 ± 33.03) and Struis Bay (88.97 ± 2.83) μg/kg wet weight. benzo(a)pyrene (as PAHs biomarker) exceeded the recommended EU limit (2 μg/kg) in samples from Port Elizabeth and Yzerfontein whereas samples from Struis Bay did not exceed. DDT was detected only in samples from Port Elizabeth and Yzerfontein with mean total concentrations (7.48 ± 5.18 and 11.14 ± 1.44 respectively) not significantly different. Fish size (weight) correlated positively with lipid content (0.65; p<0.01) and a stronger positive correlation with AE©PAHs (0.83; p<0.01). PAHs input source in fish from Port Elizabeth reflected a mixture of petrogenic and pyrogenic whereas, Yzerfontein and Struis Bay showed input source as petrogenic. In conclusion, consumption of large sized fish in locations with high PAHs burden can predispose consumers to health risk. Further investigation into human dietary exposure with the species is recommended.