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Halogenated persistent organic pollutants in selected processed small fish species from Ghana
1German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Safety in the Food Chain, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
Food Chemistry
|October 30, 2025
Summary
Small fish in Ghana are contaminated with persistent organic pollutants like PFASs, PCDD/Fs, and PCBs. Marine fish species like West-African pygmy herring showed higher levels, impacting food safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Food Safety Analysis
- Aquatic Toxicology
Background:
- Small fish are crucial for food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Data on environmental contaminants in these fish are limited.
- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) pose risks to human health and ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PFASs in processed small fish from Ghana.
- To compare contaminant levels across different marine and freshwater fish species.
- To assess the potential risks to food safety and security.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of processed whole fish from local markets in Ghana.
- Analysis of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs).
- Analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
- Analysis of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in POP content were observed between fish species.
- West-African pygmy herring had the highest average total PFASs (5.7 μg/kg).
- Marine fish species generally exhibited higher PCDD/F and PCB contamination than freshwater species.
Conclusions:
- Contaminant levels vary significantly among small fish species in Ghana.
- Marine fish species are more contaminated with PCDD/Fs and PCBs.
- Further research is needed to identify sources, estimate exposure, and enhance food safety.
