Residue levels of organochlorine pollutants in fish from Abu‐Quir Bay and Idku Lake, Alexandria, Egypt

Residues of organochlorine compounds (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography in fish species from Abu‐Quir bay and Idku lake at Alexandria area. The values of Grand Total (GT), Goldberg Index (GI), as well as Extractable Organic Matter (EOM) are reported in this study. The results revealed an increase in chlorinated hydrocarbons with increase in body size and fat content. DDTs and PCBs were the most predominant contaminants occurring in the muscle tissue of fish samples. The concentrations of Aroclors in all samples were higher than that of other organochlorine compounds. Elevated PCBs concentrations were observed in muscle tissue of Sphyraena sphyraena and Sardina pilchardus from Abu‐Quir bay and two Tilapia sp. from Idku lake. Also, variations were found in the relative proportions of p,p'‐, and o,p‐ of DDT, DDD, DDE and DDMU in all fish samples. However, a and S‐HCH were detected in trace amount in compared with γ ‐HCH. Aroclor 1254 is the dominant compared to the studied Aroclors. Individual PCB congeneres were also determined, the most dominant congeneres were 101, 138 and 153.

Key words:

• Fish
• PCB congeners
• organochlorine compounds
• GLC‐analysis
• Alexandria
• Egypt