Studies on Levels of Pesticides Residues in Market Fish of Punjab (India)

Abstract

In this study, the pesticide residues of organochlorine, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroid were monitored in market fish samples of different regions of Punjab. The pesticide residues were estimated by multiple residue analytical technique using gas chromatography equipped with GC-ECD and GC-FTD. The confirmation of residues was done on gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The results showed the presence of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) as predominant contaminant in market fish samples. Residues of HCH were detected in 33 % samples, whereas endosulfan sulphate, DDT, chlorpyrifos, aldrin, cyhalothrin and ethion residues comprised 31, 21, 5, 4, 3, and 3 per cent, respectively. In market fish in different districts of Punjab, the highest levels of HCH were found in Ludhiana district. The highest levels of endosulfan were found in Patiala district. The highest levels of DDT were found in Bhatinda district. The highest levels of cyhalothrin, aldrin and chlorpyrifos were found in Ferozepur/Moga district. The highest levels of endosulfan sulphate and ethion were found in Bhatinda district. Mean levels of residues in market fish were HCH, endosulfan sulphate, DDT, chlorpyrifos, aldrin, cyhalothrin, endosulfan and ethion: 0