Chemical Residues in Some Farmed Fish Species Marketed in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

Abstract

Keywords This study was conducted to evaluate the chemical residues in some farmed fish species marketed in Sharkia Governorate and compare it with the Egyptian standards (ES) of chilled fish. A total of 150 random samples of farmed fish at Nile cages, concrete ponds, and earthen ponds (50 of each, including 25 of both Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus ), respectively were examined. The samples were collected during autumn 2021. The results of the chemical residues analysis revealed that the percentage of samples that exceeded the permissible limits according to ES (7136:2010) of mercury residues were 44% and 20% (Nile cages), 36% and 32% (concrete ponds), 14% and 12% (earthen ponds) for Tilapia nilotica and Mugil cephalus , respectively, for lead, such residues were 40% and 36% ; 20% and 28%, and 44% and 24%, respectively, while cadmium residues were 48% and 36% ; 20% and 16%, and 44% and 68%, respectively. Concerning, the hormonal residues (methyl testosterone and trenbotone acetate), all positive samples exceeded the permissible limits according to ES (3494:2005) which denotes that fish flesh should be free from hormonal residues. All examined samples were free from pesticide residues (Aldrin and Malathione). Therefore, to safeguard fish farms from pollution and lower environmental risk, a significant efforts and coordination among various authorities are required. This can be accomplished by treating sewage, industrial and agricultural wastes. It is also crucial to regularly check for toxic residues in farm water