Abstract

Introduction: Phthalates are organic substances frequently used in many industries. In recent times, some phthalates have been demonstrated to be endocrine disruptors and detrimental to human health. Aim: Sequel to this development, this study deem it fit to examine the levels of phthalates (Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Benzyl butyl phthalate(BBP), Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) and Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP)) in Oreochromis niloticus and Scomber scrombrus collected from Ojo and Agboju markets in Lagos State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Fish samples were collected and analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) Analysis of Phthalate Esters’ methodology while variance in the quantitative data were statistically tested using t-test analysis. Results: The concentrations of DEP, DBP, BBP, DEHP and DNOP in µg/g for Oreochromis niloticus from both markets were not significantly different (p>0.05). However, DMP was not detected in O. niloticus and Scomber scrombrus at both markets. On the contrary, the concentrations of Dibutyl phthalate (5.43±0.06µg/g) and Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6.78±0.06 µg/g) in S. scombrus from Agboju market were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that from Ojo market. Conclusion: The level of all phthalates detected in O. niloticus (from both markets) and S. scombrus (from Ojo markets) were within the permissible levels of < 5 µg/g in fish. However, the level of Dibutyl phthalates and Bis (2-ethylhexyl phthalates) in S. scombrus from Agboju markets exceeded the permissible limit. Hence, sellers and processors of the fish species are enjoined to embrace hygienic practices to avert further contamination of the fish.

Keywords: Phthalates, Contamination, Markets, Fish, and Lagos