Occurrence of organochlorine pesticides residues in edible marine fish Scomberomorus commersonn (Vanjram) and its suitability for human consumption

The current study has attempted to document the organochlorine pesticide residues in the commercially important marine fish Scomberomorus commersonn, received from Cochin and Rameshwaram to Coimbatore market. A total of 73 fish samples were analysed for 13 organochlorine pesticide residues, namely α HCH, β HCH, γ HCH, δ HCH, p,p’ DDT, p,p’ DDE, p,p’ DDD, α endosulfan, β endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and dieldrin. A preliminary survey was conducted to assess the consumption pattern of marine fish Scomberomorus commerson. Among the OCPs analyzed, β HCH recorded higher residue concentration of 9.1 ng/g. All the other residues ranged from 4ng/g to 1ng/g. The variation in residues between Cochin and Rameshwaram was significant for β HCH and heptachlor residues. Based on the questionnaire survey conducted in 325 families across the city, the average per capita consumption of marine fishes was estimated to be 47 g/day. The cumulative dietary intake of organochlorine residues through Scomberomorus commersonn is 5.65 μg/person/day. The calculated input levels when compared with the existing statutory guidelines show that all the organochlorine pesticide residues were below the ADI limits. Despite declining trend, the levels reported were found to be higher than that of the developed countries. However, considering the fact that there is some amount of fresh input of OC to the marine environment from different sectors, the situation should be viewed with concern. Further it is emphasized that strict regulations on pesticide use and regular monitoring of the environmental residue levels in select components is essential.