ABSTRACT
This study determined the Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) levels in Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758) from some selected markets in Lekki, Lagos. The research objectives were to determine the concentration of PCBs in T. trachurus, evaluate the Toxic/hazard Quotient (TQ) of PCBs and estimate the daily intake (EDI) of PCBs by potential consumers. This study identifies PCB congeners with IUPAC numbers; PCB114 (2 ,3 ,4, 41 ,5 – Pentachlorobiphenyl), PCB126 (3, 3 1 , 4, 41 , 5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl), PCB138 (2, 2 1 , 3 ,4, 41 ,51 – Hexachlorobiphenyl) and PCB156 (2,3,31 ,4,41 ,5 – Hexachlorobiphenyl) in the fish sample (T. trachurus). The mean concentration of PCB congeners ranged from 0.012833mg/kg for PCB156 to 0.30677mg/kg for PCB126, with a total mean concentration of 0.36723mg/kg. The mean concentration of PCB congeners varied across market points and months, with significant differences observed for PCB126 and PCB114 (P>0.05). Ecological Risk Indices indicated low Toxic Quotient (TQ) values (0.00004928- 0.001178) and Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values (0.000513mg/kg - 0.0122mg/kg). The results suggest low contamination levels of PCBs in T.trachurus from Lagos markets, posing minimal health risks for consumers. However, constant monitoring must be executed by relevant compliance and regulatory authorities to ensure that safety thresholds are not surpassed at any point in time.
