Accumulation of octylphenol and nonylphenol in the fishes of Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Octylphenol (OP) and nonylphenol (NP) are two endocrine disrupting chemicals, which able to disrupt the endocrine system in biota, including fish. Thus, this study aims to determine the concentration of OP and NP in the fish. Eleven genera of fish samples were collected in the year 2018 and 2019 from three rivers of Terengganu. Target compounds in the whole sample were extracted using solvent extraction method and cleaned up using solid-phase extraction cartridges. Arius sp. presence in both years with concentration of OP (6.02 – 18.5 ng/g ww) and NP (3.55 – 13.9 ng/g ww). The concentration level in other fish genera were less than 10 ng/g ww. Kruskal-Wallis test proved that the concentration level of target compounds in fishes was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in benthopelagic and demersal fishes. Regardless of fish genera, OP concentration was significant difference spatially (P < 0.05) but not temporally. Comparing between three sample matrices, both chemicals prefer to accumulate in fish and sediment compared to water. Principal component analysis indicated that fish, especially benthic feeders (benthopelagic and demersal fish) are likely accumulating OP and NP through the sediment.