Assessment of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) smoke-dried with selected wood energy sources

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile in Clarias gariepinus smoke-dried with selected wood energy sources. This was investigated using four different woods; Gmelina arborea, Hevea brasiliensis, Lophira alata and Pentaclethra macrophylla and their charcoal derivatives. The fish were smoke-dried using the Magbon-Alade smoking kiln and the African traditional smoking method. Fish samples were homogenized and pure extracts from the samples were subjected to gas chromatography. The results showed that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations in fresh fish (control) and fish smoke-dried with charcoals were below the detection limit but they were detected in fish smoked-dried with wood using the African traditional method. The study revealed that the fish smoke-dried with charcoal using the mechanical kiln were safe to consume. It also revealed that Lophira alata had the lowest concentration detected compared to other fuel woods.