Levels, distribution, and ecological risk of organochlorines in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and annular sea bream (Diplodus annularis) from the Gulf of Izmir, Eastern Aegean, in 2009-2012.

Organochlorine (OCs) concentrations were measured in two fish species, Mullus barbatus and Diplodus annularis, collected from Izmir Gulf during 2009-2012 in order to explain the status of these contaminants in edible fish. No data is available on the levels of organochlorines in marine organism from Izmir Gulf. In both fish species from the study area, Aroclors were determined in higher concentrations than organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Maximum concentrations of OCPs and PCBs measured in the edible part of D. annularis were 45-165 and 530-1591 ng g lipid weight (lw), respectively. DDTs (sum of DDT and metabolites) and cyclodienes ranged from 4-56 to 16-110 ng g lw, respectively. The levels of DDTs measured in the present study were generally comparable or lower than those found in studies from other Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions. The potential risks for fish consumers were assessed. Although the estimated daily intake (EDI) for DDTs, heptachlor, and drins through the sampled fish species by Izmir inhabitants was quite lower than the ADI (acceptable daily intake) established by the FAO/WHO, EDI for Aroclor 1254 was close to the ADI value of 20 ng g recommended by the IPCS (2000).