Investigating the Level and Health Risk of Polycycic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) in Fish (Scomber Scombrus) from South-West Nigeria

Abstract

As food supply essential nutrient to the body, it can also cause problem to the body system. This study evaluates the level and health risk associated to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Scomber scombrus smoked fish samples consumed in south-west Nigeria. Fish samples (Scomber scombrus) was collected from various locations from difference state which then undergo GC-MS analysis using standard method. Risk assessment of Hazard index, Hazard quotient and cancer risk were determined using standard methods. Twenty-two PAHs congeners was determined but Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene recorded the highest PAHs for both raw and smoked fish while smoked fish has the highest PAHs concentration. ΣPAHs level in smoked fish has high concentration. Seventeen PAHs congeners was observed for average daily dose and 10 congeners exceed the permissible limit. Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and Naphthalene has the highest concentration for both raw and smoked samples which can cause advance effect. Benzo[a]pyrene shows high concentration level for cancer risk. The result from this study indicates that possible exposure to this PAHs can cause carcinogenic effect through consumption.