ASSESSMENT OF POLYCYCLIC HYDROCARBONS IN RAW AND SMOKED FISH SAMPLES FROM TWO MARKETS IN OSOGBO

this study was carried out to investigate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) in smoked fish purchased from markets in Osogbo. The samples were analysed for fifteen Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons content. The identification and concentration of PAHs were carried out by gas chromatography GC/FID with the aid of 15 PAH standards after extraction. Results from this study revealed that eleven out of the fifteen investigated PAHs were detected in the smoked fish samples. PAHs concentration (µg/g)) ranged between 0.10 ± 0.02 to 16.70 ± 0.25(µg/g) in the smoked fish obtained from the two different markets. The sample obtained from Igbona market PAHs concentration was found to be between 0.10 ± 0.02 to 16.70 ± 0.25 (mg/g) while that of Oluode market revealed between 0.15 ± 0.02 (mg/g) to 16.50 ± 0.20. Phenanthrene indicated the highest concentration among the detected PAHs (16.70 ± 0.25 / 16.50 ± 0.20). Most of the detected PAHs were within the permissible limit but accumulation over a long period of time will be a threat to human’s health. Hence, modern technique of preparing them in order to eradicate PAHs in smoked fish is needed.