Abstract
This study assessed organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) residues in the muscle of frozen Atlantic herrings (Clupea harengus) and compared with the maximum residue limits set by European Union (EU), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). Frozen fish samples were purchased from Oke Ado market in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria and weighed per batch. Fish sample averaged 300grams were wrapped in aluminum foil paper and placed in cooler and taken to the Laboratory for analysis. OCPs were tested in C. harengus in February, March and April, 2023. The mean concentration and standard deviation of OCP congeners detected (concentration in ng/g) for February, March and April were 1368.74±47.49, 546.07±18.45, 788.40±35.36 respectively for a-HCH. p,p'-DDT had 0.14±0.06 with other values having b-HCH 0.36±0.15, d-HCH 0.52±0.23 in February, 0.00±0.00 in March and 0.20±0.08 in April. Aldrin and Endrin aldehyde concentration were 9.11±3.65 and 42.08±16.82 respectively for February only. Methoxychlor however recorded 1.12±0.47, 0.38±0.14 and 0.25±0.06 for February, March and April accordingly. The levels of OCPs detected exceeded Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), indicating potential risks to human health. It is recommended that regulatory measures, public awareness and continuous monitoring should be undertaken to stem the effects of this pollution.