Trace Metals and Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Imported Fishes in Bangladesh and Human Health Risk Implications

Abstract

Substantial quantity of fish has been imported to Bangladesh without adequate food safety assessment which can pose a serious health risk to local people. This study analyzed the trace metals and organochlorine pesticides residues and the associated human health risk in 33 imported fishes (9 species) from four countries (India, Myanmar, Oman and United Arab Emirates) collected from three different ports (Benapole, Bhomra, and Chittagong) of Bangladesh with invoice lists from the port authorities. Trace metal concentrations were determined using graphite furnace absorption spectrometry and flame absorption spectrometry. The two organochlorine pesticides (Aldrin and Chlordane) residues were determined by GC-MS and found as below detection level (BDL). The trace metal concentrations (mg/kg-ww) in imported fish samples ranged as: As: 0.008 to 0.558; Pb: 0.004 to 0.070; Cr: 0.010 to 0.109; Cd: 0.00 to 0.083; Ni: 0.011 to 0.059; Co: BDL to 0.067; Mn: BDL to 0.0780; Fe: 1.780 to 10.77; Cu: 0.055 to 0.632; and Zn: 0.898 to 9.245. Concentrations of As and Cd were higher than the food safety guideline. Considering the source country of imported fishes, fish samples from Oman were mostly contaminated by the trace metals. The estimated daily intake (EDI) was higher for As and Cr. However, the target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual metal and total THQ for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no apparent non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers. But target cancer risk (TR) was higher for As, and Ni and the values exceeded the acceptable range indicating a high carcinogenic risk for the local people. Therefore, extensive monitoring of these toxic chemicals is needed prior to import these fishes to the country. Given the self-sufficiency in fish production this study also argues whether Bangladesh needs to import the fishes at all.