The degree of organotin compounds (OTCs), including dibutyltin, tributyltin, triphenyltin and dioctyltin, contamination in seafood purchased in 2017 and 2018 from Hong Kong market was studied. Edible portions of 341 seafood samples, including fish, crustaceans and molluscs, were used for analysis by gas chromatograph coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC-ICP/MS). The method detection limits and quantification limits of OTCs were below or equal to 0.25 and 1.0 μg Sn kg⁻¹ respectively. Triphenyltin accounted for the majority amongst other OTCs and was detected in 53% of samples. In general, mean total OTCs levels of fish (24 μg Sn kg⁻¹) were higher than crustaceans (14 μg Sn kg⁻¹) and molluscs (15 μg Sn kg⁻¹). The highest detected levels of triphenyltin, tributyltin, dibutyltin and dioctyltin were found to be 480, 24, 4.5 and 0.89 μg Sn kg⁻¹ in a mangrove snapper, noodle fish, coral clam and giant grouper respectively.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues were determined in fillets of Lutjanus colorado, L. argentiventris, and L. novemfasciatus. Fillet samples were collected bimonthly from February 2012 to February 2013. OCPs average concentrations do not differ significantly according to size, weight, or season, nor do they relate with the physico-chemical parameters of the sea water. The highest concentration and most frequently encountered OCPs were endosulfan sulfate, δ-HCH, and heptachlor epoxide, which indicates their use in the recent past and confirms their persistence. Average concentrations of ∑HCHs, ∑chlordane, and ∑heptachlor in samples were above cancer MRLs according to data from monthly consumed portions. HCHs and heptachlor are listed in Appendix III of the Rotterdam Convention of chemicals placed on a prior informed consent procedure for import and export purposes; they are considered illegal in Mexico. The OCPs concentrations above cancer MRLs in Lutjanus spp. turn its frequent consumption into a human health risk.

The major aim of this study was to investigate heavy metal content of edible fish in the PRD. Eleven species of fish (consisting of 711 individuals) [catfish (Clarias fuscus), tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), mandarin fish (Siniperca kneri), snakehead (Channa asiatiea), black bass (Micropterus salmoides), mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus), star snapper (Lutjanu stellatus), snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)] were collected for the analyses of heavy metals. Overall concentrations (mg/kg, ww) in the fish muscles were: As (0.03–1.53), Pb (0.03–8.62), Cd (0.02–0.06), Ni (0.44–9.75), Zn (15.7–29.5), Cr (0.22–0.65), Cu (0.79–2.26), Mn (0.82–6.91). Significant level of Pb were found in tilapia at all locations. It is recommended that heavy metal concentrations in different fish species must be determined on a regular basis in the future so as to reduce human health risks from acute and chronic food intoxication.

Endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) contamination in food is a global concern. Concerning potential environmental and human health exposed to EDCs via food intake, an experiment was conducted on the selected EDCs concentration in the mariculture fish, Trachinotus blochii (golden pomfret), Lutjanus campechanus (snapper), and Lates calcarifer (sea bass) at Pulau Kukup, Johor. Mariculture activity at Pulau Kukup involves active export of fishes to Singapore and Indonesia. The recovery of BPA (bisphenol A), 4OP (4-octylphenol), and 4NP (4-nonylphenol) were 61.54%–93.00%, 16.79%–17.13%, and 61.24%–71.49%, respectively. Relatively high concentration of BPA was recorded in T. blochii (0.322ng/g), followed by L. calcarifer (0.124ng/g) and L. campechanus (0.023ng/g). Furthermore, 4OP and 4NP were detected only in T. blochii at concentrations of 0.084ng/g and 0.078ng/g, respectively. The results of the present study provide insights on monitoring and managing mariculture activity in relation to environmental protection and food safety.

The levels of trace elements (As, Hg, Cr, Cd, Pb, Co, Ni, Cu, Mn and Zn) in commercially important fish species sampled from fish markets of Adelaide, Australia; canned fish from South Australian supermarkets; and fish markets of West Bengal, India were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave digestion. Mercury was determined by using triple quadrupole ICP-MS. The accuracy of the methods was assessed with a certified standard reference material (NRCC-DORM-3 dogfish protein), and the results were compared with values reported in the literature. The results indicated considerable variations in the accumulation of trace elements among the fish species. The relationship between species with respect to trace element concentrations was examined using cluster analysis, which showed Indian fish species forming distinct groups from the others. Other than As in sardines, whiting and snapper and Hg in swordfish and snapper, the trace element concentrations were within permissible limits recommended by various standards. Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), fish samples analysed in this study can be considered safe for human consumption as per the recommended daily dietary allowance limit fixed by various agencies. Continuous monitoring and assessments of fish metal(loid) content are needed to generate more data and safeguard human health.