Characteristic levels of some pesticides and heavy metals in imported fish

Imported fish samples of sardine and mackerel were collected from the Egyptian governorates. Some pesticides were found at high frequency (e.g. dimethoate, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p′-DDA), lindane, endrin, heptachlor and malathion). However, a lower frequency was found with aldrin, β-benzene hexachlor (β-BHC) and methyl parathion. Although some pesticides were at relatively high concentrations, mean concentrations were below the permissible levels proposed by the FAO. Imported sardine and mackerel had higher levels of lead and chromium than the permissible limits proposed by FAO. However, other metals (cadmium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc) were found at levels lower than the proposed permissible limits.