Characterization of Carcinogens in traditionally smoked fishes popularly sold in River State, Nigeria

A study was carried out on chemical hazards associated with traditional smoked fish. A total of eighteen smoked samples of two species of Clarias gariepinus and Micromesistus potassou were randomly selected from three major markets (Mile1 market, Choba market and Igwuruta market) in River State, Nigeria. Fish samples were aseptically homogenized and subjected to GC Analysis using Buck 530GC machine. The Benzo[a]pyrene [B(a)P] equivalent was used to determine risks associated with toxicity and mutagenicity of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) found from the smoked fish samples. Results showed eleven targeted PAHs compounds were found at varied concentrations from the smoked fish samples. Six of the PAHs are non-carcinogenic while five were carcinogenic. The concentrations of Acephthylene was between 0.49 and 24.82 µg/kg, 2.39 to 5.22 µg/kg Anthrancene, 0.90 to 6.26 µg/kg Naphthalene, 2.29 to 16.67 µg/kg pyrene, 0.69 to 24.82 µg/kg Benzo(g,h,i)pyrene, 1.70 to 16.40 µg/kg Benzo(a)pyrene, 14.57 to 58.64 µg/kg Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, 0.96 to 58.31 µg/kg Benzo(k)fluoranthene, 2.22 to 15.59 µg/kg Benzo(b)fluoranthene and 0.06 µg/kg 1,2-Banzanthracene in the two species of smoked fish. In conclusion the consumers of smoked fish in the study areas are exposed to PAHs and may be predisposed to danger or health related diseases.