Assessment of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and pesticide residues in domestic and imported pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fish in India

Thumbnail Image
Date
2015
Authors
Chatterjee, N.S.
Banerjee, K.
Utture, S.
Kamble, N.
Madhusudana Rao, B.
Panda, S.K.
Suseela Mathew
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Chemical Industry
Abstract
The pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a ubiquitous item of seafood in global markets. However, pesticide residues in aquaculture fish, arising from agricultural run-off and/or direct application during pond preparation, pest control and harvest, are a potential food safety concern. This study assessed the level of chemical hazard in domestic and imported pangasius fish in India. A total of 119 contaminants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorines (OCs) and other groups of pesticides, were screened in 148 samples during 2014–2015 as the first endeavour of its kind in an Indian context, employing a validated gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) method. Apart from the low-level incidence of OCs, pesticides such as quinalphos, malathion, parathion-methyl, etc.weredetected in38%of the samples. Incomparisonwith Indian pangasius, fewer contaminants at low residue level were detected in pangasius fillets imported from Vietnam. The human dietary exposures of the residue concentrations detected were less than the maximum permissible intakes and hence appeared safe. However, detection of commonly used pesticides indicated their direct application in aquaculture and contamination from agricultural run-off. This emphasizes the need for continual residue monitoring in aquaculture fish.
Description
Keywords
basa fillet, residue monitoring, risk assessment, pesticide, polyaromatic hydrocarbon
Citation
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2016; 96: 2373–2377