Global squid contamination by halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and its trade induced risk transfer

Squid is traded globally as an important food resource. However, the occurrence of carcinogenic halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs) in squid and the risk of their transfer through trade is little understood or recognized. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the occurrence and risk transfer by quantifying the congener-specific concentrations of HPAHs in 121 squid samples collected from the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. This was the first time that nine of the 36 target chlorinated and brominated PAH congeners had been detected in squid. The HPAHs exhibited growth-dilution effects in the squid. The lipid content of squid was the most significant factor influencing HPAH bioaccumulation, while differences in squid growth and local ocean contamination influenced by geographical distribution also affected HPAH bioaccumulation. The redistribution and risk transfers of HPAHs in squid as a food could be affected by international trading. The cancer risks from squid consumption in China and Mexico were increased by 50 % and 30 %, respectively, because of international squid trading.

Automated summary

This study found for the first time the presence of nine target chlorinated and brominated PAH congeners in squid. The transfer of these carcinogenic halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs) in squid is related to global trade. The lipid content of squid is the most significant factor influencing HPAH bioaccumulation, while differences in squid growth and local ocean contamination influenced by geographical distribution also affect HPAH bioaccumulation. International squid trading can affect the redistribution and risk transfer of HPAHs in squid as food. The cancer risks from squid consumption in China and Mexico were increased by 50% and 30%, respectively, due to international squid trading.