Seasonal variation of organochlorine contaminants in bonito (Sardasarda L. 1758) and anchovy (Engraulisencrasicolus L. 1758) in Black Sea region, Turkey

The concentrations of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine insecticides were determined in bonito (Sardasarda L. 1758) and anchovy (Engraulisencrasicolus L. 1758) from the Black Sea, Turkey. Concentrations of total indicator PCBs ranged between <1–17.0 in bonito, and <1–17.5 ng/g fresh weight in anchovy, and total of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-chlorophenyl-ethane and its metabolites’ (DDTs) concentrations ranged between 13.4–26.3, and 2.96–19.0 ng/g fresh weight in bonito and anchovy respectively. PCB 52, p,p′-DDE and endosulfan (α + β) were found dominant in both of the fish species. Except endosulfan, and some DDT metabolites, none of the studied organochlorine pesticides was detected in the fish samples. Concentrations of PCBs in anchovy were found higher than those in bonito, whereas DDT and endosulfan concentrations were found similar in both of the fish species. All of the fish samples had residue concentrations below the maximum residue limits (MRL) recommended by FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.

► PCB 52, p,p′-DDE and endosulfan were found dominant in anchovy and bonito of Black Sea.
► PCBs in anchovy were found higher than those in bonito.
► DDT and endosulfan levels were found similar.
► Levels were found below the MRLs recommended by FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.