Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Aegean Fish and Seafood

ABSTRACT

Non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, may cause neurological and reproductive disorders, and are carcinogenic. Human exposure to PCBs is mainly from food. Six non-dioxin-like PCBs congeners have been selected by the European Food Safety Authority as indicator PCBs. In previous studies on PCBs in food, the highest concentrations were observed in fish and fish products. The concentrations of non-dioxin-like PCBs were determined in ten species of fish and shellfish from the Aegean Sea. The concentrations of mono-ortho PCBs were also determined. Analyses were conducted in raw, fried, and grilled fish. Total indicator PCB and total mono-ortho PCB concentrations were above the detection limit in all samples with values from 0.21 to 32.4 ng g⁻¹ wet weight and 0.001 to 0.217 toxic equivalent pg g⁻¹ wet weight, respectively. The effects of cooking on PCB concentrations and the dietary intake were evaluated.

KEYWORDS:

• Aegean sea
• fish
• polychlorinated biphenyls
• shellfish