Bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in fish species from Lake Koka, Ethiopia: The influence of lipid content and trophic position

The concentrations and bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in four fish species from Lake Koka, Ethiopia, representing 2–3 levels in the food chain of the lake. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), endosulfans, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorpyrifos were identified, with DDTs as the most predominant pesticide, with concentration ranging from 0.05 to 72.53 ng g−1 wet weight (ww). All fish tissue samples collected from different species of the lake contained residues of DDTs. The maximum level of DDTs was found in the fattiest, African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) sampled from the lake, with a mean concentration of 15.15 ng g−1ww. The significant (P < 0.05) relationship between concentrations of DDTs and δ15N indicates that DDTs biomagnified in the food web of the lake. The 4,4′-DDE to 4,4′-DDT ratio in Oreochromis niloticus (0.6) and Cyprinus carpio (0.5) were below 1, indicating ongoing use of DDTs in the study area and recent exposure of these fish species.

► We examined the biomagnification of POPs in fish species from Lake Koka — Ethiopia.
► Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were the most predominant pesticide.
► The 4,4′-DDE to 4,4′-DDT ratio indicated recent exposure the fish species in the area.
► The present study demonstrates biomagnification of POPs (e.g. DDTs) in the lake.