Some organochlorine pesticide residues in fish species in Konya, Turkey

The levels of organochlorine pesticides were measured in 18 fish species from Konya markets, Turkey. These species were selected on the basis of their importance to local human fish consumption. The extracted residues were analyzed on a micro capillary gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. Total 14 different organochlorine pesticides were determined. These residues were detected in all fish species, except in trout, horse mackerel and bonito. DDT and its metabolites and HCH were the predominant contaminants in fish muscles. The mean concentrations of ∑DDT were in the range between 0.0008 and 0.0828 μg g−1. DDT was the predominant residue in Sparus aurata. Detectable levels of HCH, aldrin, and heptachlor were found in most samples. However, dieldrin, endrin, β endosulfan, p-p′ DDT, and p-p′ DDD were not found in Salmo trutta. The mean of endrin ranged from 0.0040 μg g−1 (Triglia lineate) to 0.0326 μg g−1 (Trachurus trachurus).These results give no indication of important health risks associated with the consumption of these fishes in Konya markets.