69

Catching catfish in waters in agricultural areas can lead to health problems related to the pesticides used for to protect crops. However, very few studies address the health problems mentioned by some consumers of catfish. Twelve wild and farmed catfish of marketable size (2.5 kg to 6.5 kg) were collected in Bouaflé, Soubré, Dabou, Aboisso, Alépé, and Abengourou in Côte d’Ivoire. Samples of flesh, skin, and brain were taken from each fish. Thirty-two (32) pesticide molecules were searched for and quantified in these samples using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Nine pesticide molecules were found in the analysed samples, including seven molecules which in the wild catfish samples and five molecules in the farmed catfish samples. The molecules found were mainly herbicides. Flesh and brain samples were more contaminated (33%) than skin samples (25%). The pesticide molecule contamination values of catfish samples are higher than the value of 0.01 mg/kg of the Standard Action Limit for pesticide residues. A risk of chronic intoxication is therefore proven for consumers. The results suggest that farming catfish under secure conditions and a better knowledge of their sanitary quality is essential before being they are put on the market.